I'm thinking the very thorny stems are suckers from below the graft point. It might be easier to take hardwood cuttings from higher up, and start a new plant on its own roots. I think if you cut the main stem down too low, you may lose it, and just end up with a flowering rootstock.
I cut down the obvious brown/dead stems, and when flowers have finished cut them down as well. I find that I get new growth then flower buds appearing. I think I would cut down the really thorny stems in your pictures and also any stems that are crossing and check from different angles that its a shape that you were after.
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Good point! You're obviously a bit more tactful than me Pp
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thanks for the advice dove and plant pauper. ....I have decided to offer to help him.....
HaHa! Hardly Dove. I just work with a lot of big egos or should that be EGOS!!!! Well dare I suggest that they are incapable of the simplest task!!!
Pp
Good luck Mary ... let us know how you get on
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I'm thinking the very thorny stems are suckers from below the graft point. It might be easier to take hardwood cuttings from higher up, and start a new plant on its own roots. I think if you cut the main stem down too low, you may lose it, and just end up with a flowering rootstock.
I cut down the obvious brown/dead stems, and when flowers have finished cut them down as well. I find that I get new growth then flower buds appearing. I think I would cut down the really thorny stems in your pictures and also any stems that are crossing and check from different angles that its a shape that you were after.
Personally, I would call time on that rose and remove it, planting something easier to manage in its place...