News & Updates:
Like the website? |
WATERSHOOTS |
|||
|
Years ago it was common to see watershoots (or base-shoots) regularly cut out of every plant, because they allegedly took too much vigour from the rest of the plant. This method is quite sound in very cold climates, where immature wood dies from the effects of the cold. It was probably introduced to Australia by gardeners from these climates. Nowadays we regard watershoots as the foundation on which the future plant is to be built, and from which we expect our best blooms.
Never cut blooms from watershoots with stems, except the central part of the many-branched top. The other blooms may be gathered with very short stems by cutting just distal to a pair of small leaflets on each stem, in the same manner as winter pruning is done. By about i oth January rose-growers in a large part of Australia and New Zealand must decide which of two courses they prefer to follow until winter pruning time. Their choice will depend on the result they desire: (a) do they want a continuance of steady blooming in moderate quantity, which will be of fairly good quality, in mid-March, decreasing in late March and very sparse by mid-April? (fc) do they want a big flush of bloom in April, realizing that to get it they must forgo roses from mid-February to late March? Those who make the first choice will almost certainly get some very lovely blooms of excellent colour, but they may lack substance, because the warmer weather makes for quick development. Those who make the second choice will get much better blooms, but for a shorter time and will lose some by cold-weather damage.
Fig. 12. Progressive stages in a watershoot. I. Newly grown water-shoot. 2. Six weeks later. 3. Some months later. Laterals grown. 4. Fifteen to eighteen months later. Upper part has weakened, and has been removed, together with badly placed lateral. Dates mentioned in this chapter apply in particular to Melbourne and similar climates. Warmer climates have longer blooming periods, and so the decision can be delayed even as much as a month later in Perth and Brisbane. In colder climates activities must commence earlier. Early decision is necessary because preliminary treatment for the second choice commences by withholding water for the last three weeks of January, except from first-year plants. Of course, Nature is apt to spoil plans with heavy rain; then subsequent treatment has to be slightly altered. If you make the first choice you will not have intentions of exhibiting roses at any of the autumn shows. Regular waterings should be continued and blooms cut as they appear. Manure lightly in early February; beyond that there will be no set schedule. |
