Pruning Tree Roses & Dividing Artichokes

Question:

The bottom branches of my tree roses have extended out into the walkway. I want to minimize the interference by pruning them back. How would I go about this?

Answer:

  • Tree roses are pruned just like bush roses, with one exception: there is a fair amount of bending over with bush roses while you remain upright with a tree rose.
  • The first thing you need to do is locate the bud union. The bud union is where the named rose variety is attached or budded onto a rootstock.
  • With tree roses, you'll have several bud unions. The first is near the ground, while the second forms a straight stem and resembles a broomstick. The desired variety is budded three to four feet off the ground at the top.
  • They look like large knots, and there may be several. You must identify these points before pruning to avoid cutting off the valuable and irreplaceable portion of the rose
  • . The shoots that develop below the bud unions should be removed periodically throughout the year, as it is a sucker or rogue growth. This growth is typical with all budded roses.
  • With the intruding lower branches, it's a judgment call on your part regarding how far back to prune them. It can be twelve inches to several feet, depending on the situation.
  • Usually, roses are pruned to an outside bud, so the new canes or growth form a circle that grows away from the bush's center.
    • In this case, you deviate from that and select buds growing laterally to either the left or right. You'll find the growth buds where a leaf is or has been attached to a stem, usually red.
    • You repeat this throughout the year when you remove the spent flowers. I think you should take a few digital pictures before and after. These images allow you to review what you did so you can repeat or modify things in

Question:

 How would I go about dividing my Artichoke plant?  I planted one several years ago, and it's massive now.

Answer:

  • Dividing an Artichoke plant is relatively easy.
  • You'll need a shovel to dig up the clump, and an ax or pruning saw to segment it.
  • A mature Artichoke plant is divided into three or more parts depending on the size and replanted. If you can't accommodate all the plants, save the biggest and give the others away.
  • Next, you amend the new planting hole(s) with generous amounts of homemade compost or soil conditioner.  Artichokes are planted in warm inland areas in the full sun or afternoon shade.
  • The clumps are divided every three to four years to keep the production high. Besides planting them in the ground, Artichokes make an excellent container plant.
  • The silver-gray foliage is a colorful backdrop on a deck, patio, or balcony. You can also add Pansies, Violas, Alyssum, or Marigolds for additional color.