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 ...
Wonderful! It's supposedly coming our way too, nice and steady, just what we need (no rain in our area of NC for almost 6 weeks) but I'm not seeing much movement heading east on the radar map right now.
ReplyDeletePlease, when you are done with it, may we have what is left over?
ReplyDeleteWe haven't gotten nearly that much in Tupelo but I'm SO appreciative for what we have gotten! It's been a difficult summer for my plants!
ReplyDeleteNothing compares to a Monet, Phillip, but getting much needed rain is pretty darn close.
ReplyDeleteSend some on up our way, won't ya ? A pretty dry August and September here.
Rain. It's all that's needs saying.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, now please send some of it down to Birmingham!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you!! Your garden will look so perky in the morning. I am just green with envy. It has cooled down here by about 20 degrees but still no rain. Seeing this makes me hopeful.
ReplyDeleteHow fabulous! Hope it gets to my garden before the well goes dry.
ReplyDeleteAlso some cooler temps would be welcome.
xs
Yes, we finally got rain, too. I can hardly believe how quickly the plants revived with the first rain shower.
ReplyDeleteJan
Always Growing
I feel the same way Philip and could use a bit of rain here, too.
ReplyDeleteIt is raining here, too! After 92 days of 90+ degrees and only .13" of rain in September!
ReplyDeleteI would like to borrow that painting too! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThe rain finally reached Birmingham today! We sure needed it. It has also ushered in some cooler temps!!!!!
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