Suckers
Included in the pruning regime, attention should be taken to remove 'suckers'. Suckers are unwanted growth coming from the rootstock. Check to see if the rose is on its own root. If it is not, any shoots coming from below the bud union will not have the characteristics of the rose itself and should be removed. They will be characteristic of the rootstock rose, which, if left may eventually take over, as the rootstock rose is often a more vigourous growing rose. Watch for suckers on top grafted tree roses as well. Remove any growth from below the bud union.
