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 ...
Thank you Phillip and to you and yours, too! gail
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you, too, Phillip. I know I am looking forward to 2009.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeletePhilip
Happy New Year to you too Philip! May this year be more bloomy!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Happy New Year to you, too. May it be filled with peace, joy and lots of flowers!
ReplyDeleteCameron
Happy New Year to you as well. We're watching the rose parade. Amazing flowers and floats. Later we'll be eating steak and taters. I might work a nap in there somewhere. Have a great day! See in the dirt during 2009
ReplyDeleteThank you Phillip and Happy New Year to you and yours too.
ReplyDeletePhillip, happy new year to you too! I love your photo of bare limbs against blue skies.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you, Phillip. I can tell you're a true gardener because you asked for rain as one of your new year wishes :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd Happy New Year to you! Ample rain is something we can always use here in Phoenix!
ReplyDeleteAiyana
Happy New Year to you too Phillip. May you & your have a healthy & prosperous year.
ReplyDeletePhillip, those are wonderful wishes for any gardener. May you have the same.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Phillip, Same to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping and praying 2009 will be better than wretched 2008!
Jon at Mississippi Garden
Wishing you and yours a good 2009, Phillip - may all your wishes come true for you.
ReplyDeleteAdequate rains would be welcome in Austin!
Annie at the Transplantable Rose