Best method of action- Rose

[Gardener4Deaf]

Hi

I have a rose out front and I have no idea how old it is. It has a mix of old and new big rose hips. It's approx 3m tall and currently is quite leggy. I did have a bloom of a few last season.

What is the best course of action to improve the health and aesthetics of the plant? I'd attach a pic but dunno how

[Jimny14]

Pm'd you regarding picture. I have a similar issue with a rose that was growing through a pyrocantha hedge when we arrived at the house. It has about 3 to 4 foot of single bare stem before branches with blooms.

[4Shoes]

I suppose I still have one in Glasgow.
In the winter it looks quite nice with rose hips up through the cherry tree. 4 or 5m up.

Every so often, I just butchered it. cut is right back to about 300mm - 500mm stems and left it to itself again for next couple of years.....

Didn't seem to do it any harm...

And a grape of muck to keep it going.

[Gardener4Deaf]

Here are the pictures

[Martin H]

Like 4shoes, I would be brutal with it. I'd cut that big old stem down to 30cm, trim the other bits back as well, get the weeds out from around the base, feed and mulch and cross my fingers. I'd hope to see strong new shoots from near the base during March.

The shock might kill it but more likely it will bounce back with strong healthy new growth.

[Gardener4Deaf]

Thanks guys.

It's currently sprouting new leaves on the upper section. Is it too late to prune?

[rary]

No its not too late to prune, as has been said cut it back, but if you are a bit worried about that cut all the old wood , start at the base and work up the way cutting as required to remove the old wood in sections (thats to save pulling everything down on top of you) and again as said give it a good feed

[Martin H]

Not too late. In fact I should wait until next week when this unusually cold snap is over before doing it.

[Gardener4Deaf]

Ok. Using the 2nd pic. How far should I cut it down? Bare in mind it's actually 2 buahea. On slightly behind the other where moat of the newer growth is

[Martin H]

Personally I would cut just above the damp-proof course. It's old wood so you won't be able to see the dormant buds hiding under the bark until they (hopefully!) wake up after the chop.