Pests on Rose Buds

Question from John: What is the best organic method to get did of the little white flies on the buds of my rose bushes. Yhank you, regards John Answer from Pat: If you truly have “white flies” on your roses, your roses are growing in too much...

Rose Pruning

Question from Randy: Greejeans again sorry to bother you. I prune roses for folks and I have so many this year that I was wondering what would be the earliest time I could start pruning roses this year. Thanks so much for your help as always. Answer from...

Climbing Roses

Question from Sue: I attended one of your talks once and someone asked you to name a few easy-to-grow climbing roses. You named several. I was foolishly not writing down your suggestions. Would you please give me a short list of your recommendations....

Euphorbia Lactea Desert Rose

Question from Don: We bought a Euphorbia Lactea at the OC County Fair a few years back. It has grown very well on our patio and has sprouted new branches. One is twice the original height of the plant. If I cut the branch and cut a split will it bloom...

When to prune climbing rose

Question from Brigitte: I have a climbing rose that might be anywhere from 20 to 40 years old. It has a very large winding trunk and looks similar to the lady banks rose except that it has clusters of small pink one inch flowers that bloom in the spring....

Transplanting a Yellow Rose

Question from Martha: I have another question for you. I have a yellow Softtouch rose bush. I have recently put it in a bigger container with good Miracle Grow soil. I has started to flourish, with buds all over it. However, when it blooms, the blooms...

Transplanting Rose Bushes

Question from Sharon: In April, My son, who lives in San Marcos, Ca. planted 4 canned floribundas. He now, wants to transplant 2 of the roses. When is a good time to do this? Thanks so much. Sharon Answer from Pat: Wait until January to transplant...

Proliferation of Odd Flowers on Roses

Question from Sally: My husband Brandon follows your month by month book for his roses but what happened to this yellow rose? All flowers have funny green buds in center. What could be causing that and what is it? Check out the picture of the Disneyland...

Rose Canes That Fall Over

Question from Sally: I do have a few questions: My husband Brandon follows your month-by-month book for his roses but this year the roses are growing really tall and are thin and fall over see picture. Are they getting to much of something to make...

Choosing Roses

Question from Cindy: We are replacing some of our older roses and thought I’d ask your opinion on specific ones to buy! My thrust is fragrance and length of stem to use in arrangements (not floribunda.) I’m interested in fluted edges perhaps,...

Choosing a Rambling Rose: Paul’s Himalayan Musk

Question from Deborah: I live in S. CAlifnornia (SFV/ LA).  am building a backyard pergola. want a very large rambling rose to overarch….any suggestions summer is very hot Answer from Pat: Many rambling roses take heat well as long as they get...

When to prune climbing rose

Question from Brigitte: I have a climbing rose that might be anywhere from 20 to 40 years old. It has a very large winding trunk and looks similar to the lady banks rose except that it has clusters of small pink one inch flowers that bloom in the spring....

List of Fragrant Roses

Regarding a list of fragrant roses, Sunset Western Garden Book has a long section on roses and says which ones are fragrant. In a box on page 595, the great hybridizer, Tom Carruth explains why few new disease-resistant roses are fragrant and names...

Fragrant Roses Can Be Controversial

Question: Hi Pat I am an amateur gardener living in Perth, Australia and I was wondering if you would be interested in being interviewed by me for my e-book and subscribers. I would do this by phone as a recording.  I like what you have on your website...