Summer pruning improves rose quality. Remove unwanted growth, including suckers, weak or spindly shoots and damaged canes. Cutting flowers is also a type of pruning and helps keep buds developing. Cut flowers to the first five leaflet leaf, as this results in more vigorous growth.
Look for roses at your local nursery now and plant them before the hot weather arrives. If planted now, most roses will bloom this spring. Roses tolerate many soils and climates but do best in light, well-drained soils. Use raised planters or beds in areas with poorly drained or salty soil.
Pruning paints or sealers are not recommended on any plant but roses. Treat large pruning cuts with pruning sealer to prevent borers from entering the stem.
For a fact sheet on roses including a variety list for Utah, log on to www.larrysagers.com.
Red Butte Garden will host a workshop on designing, installing and maintaining a drip-irrigation system on Saturday at noon. The workshop will also discuss how to convert an existing system to a drip system. Cost of the workshop is included with garden admission.