I would . My Savannah came from chamblees and really had growin into a nice shape . I think if you even it out you will be very pleased in no time at all . I'm really excited to see it bloom again

eta : is your yard particularly windy? I'm interested in using pine straw but wonder about the wind here if it would destroy it .

Lilyfinch, I am slowly transitioning to pine needles, hoping they will last longer than the wood mulch. I haven't had any trouble with wind blowing it around. We can get pretty gusty here.

I may just try a small area then just to see. It's so windy today , but warm . I really want to do stuff outside but the wind is a pain today .

Yes, the pine needles are easier to move aside than the wood mulch. I am planning to keep the paths wood mulch, so hopefully the slipperiness won't be too much of an issue.

You know, my head said "prune it hard" but seeing all that pretty new growth made my heart say "wait". The head shall prevail. Thanks, guys!

Needmoremulch,

We all react that way, but the beneficial results are indisputable, so we prune, see the good results, and are glad we did.

Moses

I would prune too. I agree the overall results will be a more shapely bush.

I am in east Texas and have found when I prune right about Valentines Day, when new growth is starting, and I do it before the beautiful new leaves start getting bigger, that puts a stop to any reluctance I might have of just letting it grow. Then, when pruning is needed, as it inevitably will need to be done, the bush will be nicely shaped and ready to get on with it. When I have pruned later.....seems it takes the bush longer to recover. Mine are all pruned and starting wonderful new growth - I would prune it. It will grow back quickly.

Judith

Oh prune that beast. My Savannah, less than one year old went crazy the 1st year. And if I hadn't started with it as a pruned bare root it would a been 10' tall so give her a nice haircut now and she will grow into a beautiful form and produce wonderfully for you.

I had no idea that she could get so big but what an incredible plant she is. she is my big giant girl full of beautiful blooms I can't wait to see what she does year two.

I bet you are going to love Savannah

All my other roses were pruned 2 weeks ago, but there is something about a leafy, green, greenhouse-grown rose that makes one hesitate. Thanks everyone for reminding me why I shouldn't!

As there are many leaves already, that means nutrition saved in the rose has already been spent? (Or are they the leaves left from the previous year? Then that’s different case) I would bend the branch down to the ground and peg them flat, letting them work as energy panels. New shoots will soon emerge vigorously. I would remove all new shoots except for the basal ones. I would then prune the old branches after the new stronger basal shoots reach the desired height. Just some of my experience:)