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 ...
CHER, oh how funny you are!!! Thanks for a belly laugh. Your crape is a beauty and what a joy to look out the window at it, even though it doesn't seem to be holding is against you for attempted murder. :-)
ReplyDeleteFrances
How can you leave that room and go garden? I would just sit there and stare at the beautiful tree...
ReplyDeletecockroaches and Cher - ha! I love crape myrtles -- we have one the color of yours and two dwarf pale pink. other than spraying one year for powdery mildew, they have required no care at all!
ReplyDeleteOoooooooohhhhh, my favorite room.--Randy
ReplyDeleteThank goodness the Crape Myrtle didn't succumb to your murderous advances. It is now a beauty. I could just imagine sitting there having a cup of tea and one of those tomatoe tarts. Yummmm. A feast for both the pallete and eyes.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it wouldn't die. That photo is lovely. I can't grow them up here and it isn't fair. Why doesn't some clever hybridizer create a really hardy one?
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Beautiful view. Glad it is resillient.
ReplyDeleteOur crazy neighbors a few houses away cut their row of crepe myrtles almost to the ground every couple of years, and they always come back full and beautiful. Your post convinces me ... I'm going to plant one in the ugliest part of our back yard -- hot and dry with poor soil -- and see what happens.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it takes whacking an unlovely plant back to the ground and starting over to bring out its true beauty.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely view, and the pink is one of my favorites -- well, they're all my favs.
Phillip, That's a nice view.
ReplyDeleteIt's just as well you lost the battle to eliminate it. It's also funny how gardening ideas, views change and go in cycles. I can honestly say that at times I garden on a whim. It really is perfect framed through the window
It is a beauty of a tree...and as you say, they are indestructible. Is it one of the beautiful limbed beauties for winter interest? gail
ReplyDeleteIt's always smart planting flowers where you can easily see them--like outside your breakfast nook; too bad I don't take my own advice! ;-) Crepe myrtle is one zone too warm for us here in MI, more's the pity!
ReplyDeleteThey really are beautiful. I just found out a few weeks ago that most can grow in London, Ontario. I'll definitely try them when I have the space!
ReplyDeleteThat's funny that you tried to kill that Crape Myrtle. It's beautiful now and what a view!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous waterfall of colorful crape you have to view through your simple and elegant drapes... each morning over coffee or tea! I love the contrast of what appears a somewhat formal room looking out to the exuberance of growth in your death defying crape myrtle. Wonderful photo!
ReplyDeleteNothing brightens up the hot southern summers like the bowling ball sized blooms on our beloved c.m.
ReplyDeleteFantastic view!
Cameron
You are quite the photographer!! That picture should be framed as a lovely piece of art.
ReplyDeleteIt's only been a few years since a crape myrtle has been developed to survive Chicago's climate. I let out a little Southern yelp when I first saw it at the garden center where I work.
ReplyDeleteYour's is SO gorgeous. I'm sill trying to figure out if I can find room enough in my small urban garden.
It's only been a few years since a crape myrtle has been developed to survive Chicago's climate. I let out a little Southern yelp when I first saw it at the garden center where I work.
ReplyDeleteYour's is SO gorgeous. I'm sill trying to figure out if I can find room enough in my small urban garden.
What a lovely spot to sit and day-dream! You're lucky that crape myrtle knew better than you.
ReplyDeleteA view after my own heart. Our best interior spot to see the Crapes is from the guest bathroom "throne".
ReplyDeleteBeautiful view- perfectly framed with your draperies. And, as always, love your wit!
ReplyDeleteI've found that these too can be a bit aggressive- we have little crape myrtles popping up all over the place. It's actually nice as I wanted a few more and there are few things better than a free and beautiful plant!
That is surely a beautiful view. I love the color and you've captured it perfectly.
ReplyDeleteGood post.....
ReplyDeleteInteresting view..
Every one should read this ....
thanks for sharin with us......
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DyanaDevis
Online Marketing of your brand
What a lovely, gracious view and setting.
ReplyDeleteThank God for indestructible plants - at least in your case :)
Every effort on this article shown is loudable to be appreciated
ReplyDeleteSunil
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