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 ...
The same stuff is coming up here. the daffodils and the hyacinths are emerging. I've even seen some tulips beginning to rise. The warming trend is supposed to be with us for a few days. I hope that it doesn't end up being an early spring with a late frost. That wouldn't be fun to go through again.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a fresh breath of spring to me Phillip. Our daffs are still under about 6" of snow. Hopefully that warm front will come through soon to melt the snow so I can see some signs of spring.
ReplyDeleteDave, when I woke up this morning, it was -2 degrees. It's the afternoon and it's risen to 9 degrees. There is no way you can convince me Spring is coming. There's 10" of snow on the ground. Spring is a far-off illusion. You high-zoners have it pretty good.
ReplyDeleteYour garden will be filled with yellow in no time!
ReplyDeleteThat's a sight to cheer the frozen heart. Daffodils are pretty darn tough. They can even get snowed on when they're in bloom. It looks like you won't have to wait very long now.
ReplyDeleteSure sign that Spring is near! YIPPEE!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited!!!! We can work on the shed this weekend--woo hoo and I can finish putting down the leaf mulch. My supplier for the mulch-which is our city--won't let you go back to get it when it's so wet. Now I can finish preparing the beds. Did I say I was excited?
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip, same for us too, hooray! It has seemed like way too many days in a row without being able to even walk around outside, even though it was 60 last sunday. Anyway, those daffs are not turning back now. I love when you can see the buds in with the foliage, that's big!
ReplyDeleteFrances
They sure do look promising! It'll be great to see them in bloom!
ReplyDeleteMy daffodils look about like yours, but thank goodness my the temperatures here don't resemble yours. Though it is cold here, we will not go below 22 tonight -according to the weather guys.
ReplyDeleteHappy Dance! :-)
ReplyDeleteCameron
Ohio is weeks and weeks away from daffodils. Your photo is a wonderful glimpse of what's to come, however. Thank you!
ReplyDeletePhillip,
ReplyDeleteI think so too....today I had my first two daffodil buds open up into full bloom despite the sharp cold snap of the last two nights. What a welcome sight for my tired eyes! This weekend should be in the 70s here and my to do list should get lots of lines crossed off.
Jon at Mississippi Garden
YEAH SPRING!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank goodness! I am ready for it...Maybe after the warm weather this weekend we will see crocus blooming. You will have the first crocus, but we won't be far behind! gail
ReplyDeleteYAY! IT IS COMING! Let's celebrate it!
ReplyDeleteOur daffodils are at around the same stage. I can't wait until they bloom!
ReplyDeleteSpring is coming sooner to your house that to mine;) We still have a foot of snow pack here--some will melt this weekend. I am starved for some green!
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Daffs and 70? I’m envious. It might hit 40 today, but the closest we are to spring would be melting snow. It was nice to get a glimpse of spring from you. That empty nest with berries in the post below looks like a Christmas ornament – how lovely!
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip,
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic:) Your weather is a bit warmer than ours:( Spring will be here officially in a little over a month; hard to believe! Looks like yours is already here!!
No daffodils here! Maybe in another 6 weeks!
ReplyDelete