My Arthur Bell rose throws very long stems, which sway over bed. Have transplanted one to a fence close to same species of the climber and seems to have become a climber itself but would like to retain the floribunda as bush rose. Cut back hard last two years but away it goes again by July. Any help please
1 Answers
The variety ‘Arthur Bell’ is a tall variety in any case and on good soil can throw strong shoots. These can be cut back as necessary and forced to branch out, retaining a more bushy shape.
Be sure to check that these tall shoots are not suckers from the rootstock … these generally look more ‘wild’ and usually have seven leaflets per leaf. If these are found, they must be removed below soil level.