By the Mesa-East Valley Rose Society
Once the rose bloom begins to fade, it’s time for Deadheading. The recommended way to deadhead is to cut off the faded bloom just above the 1st three leaf leaflet and no lower than the 1st five leaf leaflet on the cane. When deadheading, make a slanting cut ¼ inch above the leaflet. During the summer months you can deadhead just below the Peduncle. (The slightly swollen section in the stem directly below the bloom).
Recent trials have clearly established that the more foliage a rose plant retains, the better its performance. All the fertilizers in the soil won’t do any good without a full compliment of foliage, because it’s only through photosynthesis that the bushes manufacture food. Leaving the maximum amount of foliage on the bush also helps shade the canes from our hot summer sun.
Remember: healthy bushes will produce the most blooms and have the best chance for survival.
