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A friend who lost her baby last year planted a rose.She has asked me if any of my gardening friends can help. The details I have are as follows.. Patio rose,long stems flower at top (thinks it is a standard) It is in a pot. Last couple of weeks a long shoot (18") has grown from the base of the plant. Should she cut this shoot off? If any more info is needed I will ask her.
Thanks a lot. Lorna.

Quote from: lorna on August 22, 2006, 16:28:42
Last couple of weeks a long shoot (18") has grown from the base of the plant. Should she cut this shoot off?

I would Lorna, it seems like a sucker from your description.

Wow. That was quick Mike. Thank you. I did wonder about a sucker but you know how little I know. Thanks again.
Lorna.

I have a standard rose that keeps sending up suckers. You are supposed to trace the sucker right back to where it starts to stop it re-shooting, but I've never managed that, I've always felt as if I was digging up the whole plant so just cut it back to the base.

Thanks Caroline. Have passed on advice.

Read somewhere I think, it's better to "rub" the sucker off rather than cut it as cut one's re-sprout more often.

Then again I could be an old wife making up a tale......

QuoteI could be an old wife making up a tale

No, you are quite correct, cutting them off is just like pruning, it encourages more growth

Many thanks folk. Makes sense. Have sent on to friend.