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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 ...
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Signs of life



In the midst of winter, there are buds. It was sleeting this morning when I ventured out and took this photo. This is Daphne Odora, commonly known as Winter Daphne. In a few weeks, it should be in full bloom. The blooms have a wonderful lemony fragrance.
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowJanuary 28, 2009 at 12:21 PM

    We have about 10inches of snow right now. I don't mind because I don't have to get out in it. The pussy willow has a few buds on it. That is all I can see right now.

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  2. JanJanuary 28, 2009 at 12:40 PM

    Daphne is beautiful, Phillip, even with just her buds to share! She'll be breathtaking once she's fully bloomed!

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  3. GailJanuary 28, 2009 at 1:20 PM

    phillip,

    Hi...I have wondered about this lovely plant. My dear friend from England says she dreams about it and wishes we could grow it in Nashville. It is really lovely. I love the signs of life in your garden. gail

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  4. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2009 at 2:09 PM

    I'm always glad to see winter plants especially the smell good kind.

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  5. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2009 at 3:06 PM

    I'm so happy to see this in your garden, Phillip. I left behind a huge one in my old garden and will have to search diligently this spring for one to put in my new Alabama garden.

    Barbara

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  6. F CameronJanuary 28, 2009 at 3:37 PM

    Another daphne owner! :-) Gotta love it! Mine is so fragrant. I was sitting on the front porch this past weekend and kept smelling lemons -- from all the way around on the side of the house! The wind was perfect to carry the fragrance.

    Cameron

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  7. UnknownJanuary 28, 2009 at 4:23 PM

    YEA for signs of life and colour in buds. Shall I tell you that we're getting snow again? Sigh....April seems like a long, long time from now.

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  8. DaveJanuary 28, 2009 at 5:42 PM

    Nice! I like the variegation on the leaves. Daphne should be on my list.

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  9. Sweet Home and Garden CarolinaJanuary 28, 2009 at 7:38 PM

    That's a beautiful sight, Phillip. I can't even see my 'carol mackie' daphne because we have over a foot of snow. Oh I hope she'll be okay as this is her first winter.

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  10. Chandramouli SJanuary 28, 2009 at 10:07 PM

    Can't wait to see them blooming, Philip! Do post it's bloomed photo. A fragrant flower during gray! That's something.

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  11. JonJanuary 29, 2009 at 5:21 AM

    Nice shot, Phillip. It's good to see some signs of spring starting, isn't it? Daphne looks like a shrub with lots to love.

    Jon at Mississippi Garden

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  12. SusanJanuary 29, 2009 at 8:14 AM

    I've never heard of that plant but it is lovely, especially in the midst of winter.

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  13. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2009 at 12:59 PM

    Hi Phillip, what a great shot! I have the same shrub, fully loaded for quite a while, just waiting for those warm temps. Will they ever come back?

    Frances

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  14. Bren HaasJanuary 29, 2009 at 2:23 PM

    Wonderful Signs that Spring is righ around the corner. Thank you for sharing this on such a cold winter day up North. Warm Wishes !

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  15. joeyJanuary 29, 2009 at 4:02 PM

    A lovely photo, Philip! Today I visited Cameron's garden and smelled hers ... and now yours! I've seen you posting here and there ... delighted to finally meet you :)

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  16. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2009 at 7:27 PM

    Lucky you! I haven't been able to grow one. Looks pretty even now. I'm nuts about blooms cause they are hope.

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  17. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2009 at 3:40 PM

    How lovely, Phillip. I have often wondered it Daphne would grow down here. I seem to remember reading that it isn't very long-lived. Has that been your experience?

    Jan
    Always Growing

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  18. Phillip OliverJanuary 30, 2009 at 8:50 PM

    Thanks everybody!

    Thanks for visiting Joey, do come again!

    Jan, it is only two years old and I haven't read anything about their life span. I sure hope not!

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  19. Monica the Garden FaerieJanuary 31, 2009 at 12:30 PM

    It's nice to see all the lovely plants that don't grow in Michigan! :)

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  20. JeffFebruary 1, 2009 at 11:35 AM

    Mine had the edges of its leaves burned a bit by the 14 degree night last week, but is still loaded with buds. D. odora can be short lived unless drainage is very good - they need to be high and dry, or phytophthera and other nasties can take hold quickly. Still, I've had one in the same place for about 10 years; I start a cutting or two every year, just for safety's sake. The old plant is encroaching on the pathway, but my inclination is to move the path before moving or cutting back the Daphne!

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  21. Phillip OliverFebruary 1, 2009 at 12:53 PM

    Well that explains it because mine is planted in a raised bed and it is a very dry area also.

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