Winter Rose Care & Pruning
Although major rose pruning is not done until late February into early March, there are a few things I do to get roses settled in for the winter. First, I wait until the first frost has occurred before I do anything. That happened on December 1 this year, a little later than normal. If you do any pruning prior to that, new growth will be encouraged, and it will just be nipped later. I will then do minimal pruning, about 1/3 of the plant or to about waist-high. It does not matter how you make the cuts. More precise pruning will be done in late winter. Giving roses a slight pruning at this time will decrease the damage from strong winter winds. Roses are not deeply rooted, and any long canes can spell trouble. Pick off any remaining leaves, if possible. I know that can be a big job if there are still many leaves left on the plant but you don't want leaves, especially diseased leaves, left to fall and harbor spores for next season. Clean the area around the base of the rose. Rake out ...
Oh how wonderful. It looks like a pretty one too, with that dark center. Soon for us, soon.
ReplyDeleteFrances at Faire Garden
Wow!! I am jealous!! I did see the crocus sticking it's head out of the ground this weekend here. But with the tempatures in the low teens every morning it will take them a while to come out. Thanks for sharing and reminding me what spring looks like.
ReplyDeleteI am jealous, but I think mine are about two weeks from blooming.. I can't wait. I have spring fever bad!!!
ReplyDeleteOurs are only about a half inch out of the ground at this point. Ihope we are done with the really cold weather at this point.
ReplyDeleteDaffodils are my favorite, Phillip. That's a pretty one, too. Are you having an early spring there ?
ReplyDeleteWow! Must be great to be in Alabama! It'll be weeks before daffodils in Ohio!
ReplyDeleteYour Florence garden is way ahead of my Lexington, KY. garden. All I have right now are Eranthis hymalis, Snowdrops, and Bear Claw Helebores. I envy you your longer growing season.
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