Question:
I purchased several miniature tree roses and planted them in large pots where they have done very well. I’m now wondering how or if they need to be pruned?Answer:
- Miniature roses are a smaller version of a hybrid tea garden rose and regardless of the form or growth habit the flowers and leaves are in perfect proportion.
- Yhey're nearly always growing on their own roots unlike hybrid teas varieties, which are budded plants. They typically have many more canes of varying size diameters. In addition, they also tend to exhibit more "twiggy" growth. Hence, they’ll need to be pruned.
- The basic objectives in pruning all types of miniature roses is to shape the plant, remove the deadwood and reduce the size. The natural tendency for gardeners is to prune from the top down. However, it’s more efficient to start the process by looking at the rose at the ground level or from the bottom up. You now have a clear picture of the strongest canes as well as the twiggy growth. At this point, you have two options.
- Option one has you removing all the twiggy growth and any dead wood. This includes small stems which have a diameter less than the size of your little finger. This will leave you a clear view of the larger canes. Next, remove those canes that are growing sideways or in a direction that interferes with the other growth. There is no limit as to the number of canes you’d retain.
- Option two is for those who consider the above too much work. They prefer to prune their bushes by shearing them with a pair of hedge shears. Between a third and fifty percent of the growth is removed. This is not really a bad idea since the close spacing between the growth buds of miniature roses minimizes the die-back or black tips, which is often an issue with garden roses. It's also okay the vary or modifies which option you choose from year to year. In any event, it is well to keep in mind, that miniature roses are very forgiving and it’s pretty hard to make a major mistake, so the best thing to do is prune away and learn as you go
- The learning experience is enhanced by taking some before and after pictures with your smartphone or point-and-shoot camera.This will give you a digital history for future reference along with some important confidence. During the growing season, removing the spent flowers after every flowering cycle is all the pruning that is necessary. Although, you can remove any rogue growth or dead wood that develops.
- A final note, for those considering growing miniature roses indoors. A miniature may stay in bloom for a week or two but eventually, the plant needs to go outside where the light and growing conditions are preferred. A miniature rose is not an ideal long-term, indoor blooming plant.
Question:
I’m curious as to why people don’t plant the Pistachio tree and harvest the nuts?Answer:
- Producing Pistachio trees will grow in the warmer, inland areas of the Bay Area. They are slow-growing, medium-size tree reaching a height of thirty feet. We usually don’t see them in many landscapes, as there are no self-fertile varieties available.
- You’ll need a minimum of two trees, one male and one female variety for a yield. Commercially, one male is planted for every eleven female. Pistachio trees prefer growing in soil that drains. With constant summer moisture, they suffer. This makes them impractical for most Bay Area yards.