_Editor Mayflower:_
The best time for pruning Hybrid Perpetual Roses is in January or early
February. Select the strong, well-matured, young shoots at sufficient
distance apart to allow a free circulation of air and cut back to one
and one-half to two feet, leaving from four to five canes. If, however,
the Rose is an unusually strong grower it can be left from three to
three and one-half feet. Even when left this way it will sometimes be
found necessary to thin out the young shoots, for if they grow too close
to each other they are liable to mildew. Tea Roses can he pruned during
the same season with good results, though they do not require so severe
a trimming down as the Hybrid Perpetuals. With the teas the important
part is the cutting back and removing of all old and weak wood, dead
twigs and unhealthy limbs. Spraying should be done just after the winter
pruning, just before growth begins in the early spring. A careful spray
at these times will remove all danger from insects and disease, mildew
and black spot. The best spray can be made by taking four ounces of
copper sulphate, four ounces of unslaked lime, and three gallons of
water. For the green aphis, which attacks the young and tender shoots,
spraying with quassia is the most beneficial as well as least harmful to
the plant, using four ounces to one gallon of water, either soaking it
over night or boiling for about 10 minutes.--_Dennis H. Stovall._
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