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 ...
Garden friends are THE best! Beautiful iris. Stunning rose.
ReplyDeletePass-along plants are the best! It's fun to walk through the garden and recall who gave what! Along those lines, I host a plant swap each year (this year on Saturday)... wish you could come!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, I too have been lucky to receive many "pass along" plants. And as I look at my garden, I think about where they came from. I think that is true with almost all gardeners, they love to share and be helpful. hugs...Brooke
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous iris - absolutely one of my favorite flowers. I just wish they lasted longer!
ReplyDeleteI can see why the sedum is getting so much attention. Really pretty. Edith Wolford too, love the color combination. Nice to have these plants to bring back memories of good friends.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Lucky you. 'Edith Wolford' is a true beauty. I have a very similar iris that will soon be blooming. My garden is also filled with many treasured gifts and I love to share!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite plants in the garden seem to be those given to me by someone else. Those are beautiful plants.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flowers. It's so nice to receive gifts of flowers from friends.
ReplyDeleteI have quite a few plants that were passed along to me and for me their cultivar name is whoever gave it to me. I think of all my generous garden friends whenever I see them bloom.
ReplyDeleteAnd wow, that sedum
Those are all really beautiful. I've never seen a sedum like that. Do you know the name of it?
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great having plants that remind of us people? It's part of what makes gardening so special. They are all beautiful, what nice friends!
ReplyDeleteAren't gifts from gardeners the best! Between my neighbor and my gardening guru (and the other pre-existing plants that came from assorted friends), my entire garden is an heirloom. Your garden, on the other hand, is my shopping list. Archduke Charles and Edith Wolfe have just been added to my spreadsheets.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! Reason #981 I love blogging ;)
ReplyDeleteEdith Wolford is gorgeous! I just got Archduke Charles last year and it's a beautiful rose. You've got good gardening friends.
ReplyDeleteThe seddum is stunning and can easily see why it is loved. It is so nice to have flowers from friends. All of the blooms are so pretty. Becca
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with your commenters...the best plants in my garden are from friends. Such lovely reminders. The iris is beautiful and I think the sedum is a keeper (but do share it);) gail
ReplyDeleteGardeners can be so generous. I have received so many plants from friends and neighbors that I feel I must do the same. You have some lovely gift plants to remember friends by.
ReplyDeleteJan
Always Growing
Lovely sedum! How amazing that Kaye could find three China roses you didn't already have in your garden, Phillip ;-]
ReplyDeleteA lot of my plants are passalongs, too - but if/when you have to move, the logistics of bringing along a hundred potted friends can be daunting.
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Aren't we lucky to have such good friends who love us enough to share. I did a post on this recently too. I love that iris, Phillip.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful. Generally not a sedum fan, but that is certainly special. Love the iris, as well. I have a similar one called "Pinball Wizard," but plants are always somehow more special when there is a story attached.
ReplyDeletePhillip, you are too kind. If you want to propagate more of my sedum just cut off a few stems, strip the bottom leaves and stick them in a pot...they'll root in no time. I have no idea what the name is...I got it myself as a passalong plant from my husband's 85 year old aunt. I think of her everytime It emerges in spring! A garden just wouldn't be a garden without keepsakes in the form of plants/flowers would it?
ReplyDeleteJennifer
your photos are wonderful. I too have a lovely iris which came by way of a friend.
ReplyDeleteAren't gifts from friends at least a double pleasure. You are delighted when you receive the plant and then time and again when it blooms you are reminded of the gifter.
ReplyDelete