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 ...
Hi Phillip, oh that back lighting is pure magic!
ReplyDeleteFrances
Gorgeous! I'm jealous of the beautiful amaryllis! :-)
ReplyDeleteCameron
That is a gorgeous shot!
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip,
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful! Every time I see one I always think it's prettier than the one I saw before it:) Mine stopped blooming quite early this year. Usually the blooms last longer for me. I guess I had a lemon this time:) Great photography, Phillip:)
Jan
Gorgeous petals, Phillip - and what substance!
ReplyDeleteI have amaryllis in bud - maybe one will be open for Bloom Day on the 15th. Bet your amaryllis will still look good then.
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Hi!
ReplyDeleteHow great that you showed this first in bud, and now we get to see it bloom!
it looks wonderful with the light.
Philip
She is just gorgeous Phillip. I like the different look of your post too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa, you are the first to notice! :)
ReplyDeletePhillip, She's a beauty...and not leaning over at all! I am really enjoying your new camera! Gail
ReplyDeleteNice one. I started a bulb late, right at Xmas time. The bud stalk is going up, but I doubt it'll be in bloom by Bloom Day.
ReplyDeleteIt glows like a ruby, Phillip! Makes me wish I'd planted mine but I'm afraid it will bloom while I am gone in February. Maybe I'll hold off till March!
ReplyDeleteAmaryllis always look so good when backlit. That's a great photo!
ReplyDeletePhillip, tell Miss Floris Hecker she is always welcome to stop by Vicksburg on her way west to Hollywood. What a star and what a great shot you took of this beauty!
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping that she is a good omen for starting off your new year with such a bang.
BTW, I like the "fresh look" of your blog.
Jon at Mississippi Garden
Wow! She's a scarlet beauty!
ReplyDeleteNice shot Phillip. I still have many of my bulbs dormant and won't be up and running for a while.
ReplyDeleteShe's a beauty and lovely post. She reminds me of a real flamboyant woman who doesn't mind the glam and fabulous life she leads in her season. I like her grand and bold character.
ReplyDeleteI love amaryllis. I suspect mine, bought after Xmas, will bloom by St. Patrick's Day! Frances is right about the lighting.
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip,
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous shot! Really spectacular. I usually give in and buy an amaryllis when they are on sale. Now that I live in Alabama, I planted the one from last year outside, not knowing that a little black kitten who cannot be trusted would come into my life in July! So I doubly appreciated seeing yours.
Barbara
That's lovely!
ReplyDeletePhillip I am so inspired by your garden! You have what my mind's eye has been envisioning for months now. I am new to gardening (last spring the bug bit me in the middle of Bennett'es Nursery in Huntsville). I made it through the rose greenhouses and realized I was absolutely twitterpated. Winter is miserable not getting to enjoy my backyard. I've been daydreaming of Spring and stumbled across your site. So, thanks to your gorgeous garden, I just ordered 29 more roses from Chamblee's (my husband will freak!) I love the purple wall you guys did...how long did it take...and did you use cement to stabalize it, or just the cynderblocks?
ReplyDeleteMarci, thank you so much! You will love your Chamblee's roses. I order a lot from them and they always do great!
ReplyDeletePhillip, thanks for bringing some bright color into my day. That is one gorgeous photo.
ReplyDelete