Question
I'm wondering how to turn my tall, skinny plant into a short, bushy one.
It's a new plant and he's growing great, he just appears to be a little straggely, because all the growth is straight up.
Thanks!


Answer
Sorry, Tina.  If there's one thing a Tea Rose won't ever win, it's a beauty contest.

Teas were developed for ugliness.

Long, scraggly, upright form is their forte.  Thorny, long-stemmed Roses win those Blue Ribbons and look so pretty in a vase.  I know this sounds harsh.  You can encourage lower growth and bushiness, but no Tea will ever bear the grand, stately, balanced, regal landscape value of a Grandiflora or even a climber.

On the other hand, those Grandiflora Roses can't hold a candle to the famous One Perfect Rose.  Those OPR's are ALWAYS Teas.  No one's perfect.