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 ...
I heard Helen Dillon speaks a few years ago. She was very entertaining and quite down to earth. I really enjoyed her talk and slide.
ReplyDeleteLucky! I loved her book, and her presentation must be great also. You showed lots of photos but left out the most crucial part, what did you buy???
ReplyDeleteFrances at Faire Garden
Great tour of the garden show, Phillip. Exactly what did you buy that you're not telling us ?
ReplyDeleteLOL, all I bought was a little bay tree for $7.50!
ReplyDeleteThat's looks like it was a lot of fun! Great pictures Phillip. I really need to get out more. From the looks of it I'm missing out on a lot of stuff. I needt to get to one of these shows.
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty impressive show, Phillip - very dramatic use of stone. It was interesting to see the herbs growing in troughs like ours, except we have silver pony foot and sedum in the quarter-round instead of thyme.
ReplyDeleteI only know Helen Dillon from seeing her on the Victory Garden and from her website... nice photo of you two!
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Thanks for the shots from the Nashville show. I'll have to add it to my list of to do's next yera.
ReplyDeleteRees Cowden
No Brown Thumbs
Thats very impressive natural stone work, the water feature has to have a huge pump to move that kind of water. I loved your hardscape and waterscape pictures.
ReplyDeletewww.LandscapeNashville.com