How to Prune the Orchid Rockrose

Orchid rockroses are dense shrubs that produce prolific amounts of fragrant flowers and foliage. Gardeners often choose orchid rockroses instead of traditional roses because they offer much of the beauty with none of the hassle. Orchid rockroses will grow and flower practically anywhere. Wherever they grow, they prefer minimal interference. Only prune mature orchid rockroses when necessary. Otherwise, leave them to grow and flower happily on their own.

Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Prune young orchid rockroses to encourage fuller growth. For their first few seasons of growth, the orchid rockrose may put out long, spindly branches as it grows and fills out. During these first few years of growth, the orchid rockrose responds well to pruning. Cut long, leggy branches back down to the level of the rest of the rockrose's branches. Make the pruning cut 1/4 inch above the nearest branch union (where another stem grows out of the main stem). The pruning cut will encourage the orchid rockrose to grow bushier more quickly.
- 2
  Remove dead stems or dying stems that produce little growth. Prune these back to their point of origin: back to ground level or back to the stem they grow out of. New, healthier stems will grow back in their place.
- 3
  Fill out bare areas with pruning cuts. Prune an adjacent stem(s) back to 1/4 inch above a branching stem growing in the direction of the bare or thin spot. The pruning cut will encourage that branch to grow in the direction of the thin or bare spot and help it to fill out.

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