Pruning a Rose

Teresa76

I have a Rose in my garden. I'm not sure what it's called but it looks like a Gertrude Jekyll. It flowers profusely in the summer. However, it is really tall and the first metre is just stalks.  I would like to get more vigour into the rose.  I am not sure if it has been left too long to improve it.  Should I cut it right down to get new growth from the bottom? Any advice would be appreciated.

Teresa76

I should have added it just flowers at the top.

Marlorena

I would cut it back by half... so if it's 6 foot tall I would cut back to 3 all round..  see how you go..it won't harm it... 

Teresa76

Thanks Marlorena. My father said this but I'm scared of loosing it. When would be the best time to do this

Marlorena

@Teresa76 … right now Teresa,.. it's nothing to be alarmed about, and don't worry about where you prune exactly.. 
..feed your rose sometime March or April … best of luck..