Question
Aloha Lynnette, I'd like to know when I'm cutting the flowers, off the bush...should I do it above or below the little nodule.  I also live in Hawaii (oahu paoa) and ave been growing roses off and on my entire life! I can't believe that I've never asked this question of anyone.
    Sincere Regards Erin

Answer
Thanks to roses becoming a commercial crop, many rose rules have become myths. Where to cut a rose is one of them. You can cut the bloom off anywhere you want to down the cane. But it is best above a nodule and then the new lateral will grow from below the cut. If you cut them too far away from the nodule, some weak growing roses will have a hard time sending up the hormone to make a new cane. The greatest strength is just above the nodule or bud eye. Also another myth debunked is when you want to take off the dead flowers all you do is simply snap them off with your fingers or cut if they are tough stems. Hope this helps.