Hybrid and Floribunda Roses
These roses bloom more than once per season and generally bloom on new wood.
In late winter or very early spring, the roses need a good clearing out and cutting back before they start greening up and branching. About the time forsythias bloom, take out all the deadwood, crossing canes, and spindly growth. Then shape and prune back everything else, taking into account the style of the garden and the size and nature of the variety. Cut back old wood about 30 to 40 percent before growth begins. Always cut to a live bud pointing away from the center of the shrub to encourage outward growth. Start deadheading after the first flush of flower, and continue throughout the summer to encourage more blooms.
Species Roses, Old Roses, and Once-Blooming Shrub Roses
Generally, hardier than other roses, these more primitive types bloom first on old wood mid-summer; re-bloomers repeat on the current season’s growth.
In early spring, remove diseased, broken, or dead branches. After flowering, prune lightly and selectively to shape the bushes and control growth.
Climbing and Rambling Roses
These roses tend to bloom on old wood.
It’s fine to remove winter-killed branches or otherwise damaged wood early in the year, but defer your annual pruning until summer, after the peak of bloom. Prune to remove undesirable canes and to shape and train growth. Side branches tend to flower more heavily than central leaders.
Group Tours
Bell Tower Festival
Plant Sale
Live Music
Regular events
at the gardens
Gardens are always open
Welcome Center:
10:00 - 4:00 PM Daily
Weekends: May - October
10:00 - 4:00
201 East Lincoln Way
Jefferson, Iowa 50129
The Thomas Jefferson Gardens bring to life the prairies that welcomed Lewis and Clark explorers and early settlers, heritage plants from Monticello, farming practices of Thomas Jefferson’s time, outdoor musical instruments to experience, a children’s garden, and so much more.
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