What Is a Good Rose Bush Sealing Compound?

The Pruning Process

• The requirements for pruning differ based on the type of rose and your geographic location, but the essentials of pruning remain the same. The idea is to encourage healthy growth and a profusion of blooms during the next blooming season. Always use sharp, clean cutters. Slant your cut away from the bud at a 45-degree angle. Seal the cut to prevent disease and infestation by insects or other pests.

Sealing Compound

• The compound you use to seal the rose canes after you prune does not have to be a specialty product. Plain, white, water-soluble, household glue works well, according to the Ohio State University Extension. Texas AgriLife Extension Service of the Texas A&M University System adds that orange shellac may be used to seal rose canes.

Sealing Procedure

• Carry your sealing compound in a squeeze bottle. Most white household glue comes in a plastic dispenser with a resealable cap. After you have pruned all of the canes on your rose bush, select the canes you wish to seal. Open the cap on your squeeze bottle and apply enough of the glue or other sealing compound directly on the exposed cut until it is completely coated. Repeat for each pruned cane. Reseal the cap to ensure the glue flows easily the next time you need it.

Considerations

• It may not be necessary to seal all pruned rose canes. The Texas AgriLife Extension Service recommends sealing large and old canes that you pruned down to the bud union but notes that there is no need to seal smaller canes. You may not need to seal your pruned rose canes at all if you live in an area that is not susceptible to cane borers, according to the Santa Clarita Valley Rose Society website.