Pruning Advice - Old Roses

[Ann]

I have several shrub and floribunda roses which are years old and are really tall now.

I went outside to prune them in the usual way but realised I need to really reduce the height this year. Can I cut into the dead wood (main stem)? There are no side buds at all on this, they are just on the top branches. Will it sprout from the main stem if I take 2 feet off?

I could replace them but don't want to lose them for sentimental reasons, as they have been bought by family and friends for special occasions etc.
Any advice please folks? :)

[Ratty2E]

The main stem won't be dead, if it was the top would be dead too. I have been known to chop roses down to almost the ground and to be honest they've looked all the better for it. You may want to be more cautious if you care if it lives or dies( which I didn't really) but a good hard prune back does do them good other wise they just get all leggy and as you say all the interesting stuff is just at the top.

[Chipchopper]

I agree, hard pruning should restore vigor and rejuvenate your roses.
Be sure to do this when any danger of frost has passed

[Ann]

Thanks very much - this is most helpful advice.

I will probably try this on a beautiful show rose which my late Uncle grafted and offically named after my lovely late Auntie many years ago. Because it's a show or "specimen" rose it has only a couple of huge blooms every year on two thick stems which must be over 4 feet tall now.

[Ann]

Does the same pruning really have to be done to clematis? I have loads of top growth on mine including some buds already! I am loathe to cut it all off and the stems are bare until 18" high so there is no lower bud to cut down to.

[Ann]

No divebuddy, its not Montana Elizabeth, but I do have one of those which grows all over the shed. I can't remember without looking what variety it is, but it's a large flowered one. I also have one or two buds on a Nelly Moser which has not died back at all in this mild winter and spreads across two fence panels.