What is the difference between a sucker and a basal break?
Let’s first define what a sucker and a basal break are. From there, it is a lot easier to answer the question. A sucker is new growth that comes from the root stock that grafted roses grow on. Oh, no! Another new term to understand! Many larger roses are grown grafted onto hardy wood known as root stock. Traditionally here in Southern California, the root stock is from a rose called, Dr. Huey. Sometimes this root stock will send out a new cane, which is called a sucker. Suckers need to be removed as they will drain energy away from the real rose you are trying to grow. Look at the leaves growing on this cane. It will look different and if let to grow at the very end you will get a small red rose. To remove this follow the cane down until you can cut it directly from the root stock. Sometimes you will dig down below the surface. Use a pruning saw to cleanly cut this away. Keeping in mind what you just read above, the basal break is the good one to keep. This is a new vigorous cane. The
