How to Prune Tehachapi Rose

Overview

Tehachapi rose (Rosa Woodsii var. gratissima) is a wild rose species native to the western United States. It has a low shrub habit and spreads primarily through root extension. It is persistent that way and needs a different kind of control from the garden roses that are the more familiar small bush variety. Tehachapi rose must be thoroughly pruned, above and below ground, both to maintain its blooming cycle and to control its spread. In the right location, with the right care, Tehachapi rose will be a still-wild, thorny beauty, an interesting asset to your garden.

Step 1

Sterilize your pruning tools. Mix a solution of one tbsp. of bleach for every gallon of water in a bucket. Dip your pruning shears or your shovel blade into the solution before every cut. This will prevent the spread of any diseases that might be present on the plant or in the soil.

Step 2

Prune to control Tehachapi rose's behavior. It is a sturdy plant; don't allow it to bother passers-by with its thorns. Cut where you need to, when you need to; don't worry about the time of year. Don't forget to use your heavy gloves.

Step 3

Prune to maximize bloom. Wild roses bloom on last year's wood, rather than on new canes. Prune Tehachapi rose in the spring or summer, as soon as it has completed its yearly blooming cycle. All the wood that grows after that will bear next year's flowers. Make your cuts at a 45-degree angle just above an outward-facing leaflet. This will aim new growth away from the center of the plant. Don't be afraid to prune thoroughly.

Step 4

Control growth with root pruning. Root pruning is one way to keep Tehachapi rose in check in its current location. Cut during the winter or very early spring, before the plant has started its spring growth.Use your shovel to cut down through the soil and the roots, at least 1 foot from the outer base of the shrub. Do this on the sides where you want to contain the growth. Your rose will spend the spring and summer focusing on root growth, rather than on expanding its branches further out.

Step 5

Use root pruning if you need to move your plant. Tehachapi rose can be problematic if it is badly located, but it can be moved. This is a two-season project. The first spring, do the root pruning from the previous step on two opposite sides. Allow the plant to recover through the next summer. The following spring, choose and prepare your new location. Use your shovel to cut the root ball on the other two sides, then free up the rest of the root ball, maintaining as many of the year-old, smaller roots as possible. Plant at the same depth as before and water well.