Democratic Sentinel, Volume 13, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 June 1889 — How Roses Bloom. [ARTICLE]

How Roses Bloom.

Hybrid perpetual roses bloom mostly upon shoots that grow from the old wood; that is, canes of one or more year’s growth. The best blooms are found upon the canes which *tart from near the root the previous season; therefore, it is best every spring to cut out all canes which have bloomed one season. As you value good roses and a quantity of them do not fail to do this. To increase the quantity and richness of bloom with hybrid perpetuals practice what is called “pegging down.” This is to send all the canes that have been left after pruning nearly to the ground. The outermost ones may be within six inches of the surface and the others a little higher. This horizontal position of the canes somewhat retards the flow of the sap as it returns to the roots, and more of it is used in forming buds and flowers. If you prefer to grow your roses upright do not fail to cut back the canes about one-half. If you wish to have seed for nexv varieties, it is well not to have the soil too rich, else, according to my experience, you will get fewer seeds and not the best roses. All the roses should be where they will have plenty of sunlight, and vet be protected from high winds.