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 ...
Yours really take on beautiful color! You're right about how much seasonal interest they add year round. Mine didn't really get a chance get fall color this year. In fact one gets powdery mildew by the end of summer, do you ever see that on any of yours?
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful color for Fall. Just in time for the season......Julian
ReplyDeleteI just love this shrub. I have only one. Seeing yours makes me want to hunt for another one to put someplace.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of any reason to not grow this plant.
ReplyDeleteI am so lucky to have one in my yard Phillip. They are just beautiful and are always doing something all year long!! What beautiful photos of yours!
ReplyDeleteI, like everyone, love the blooms of the other hydrangeas. I have fallen in love with this one for its leaves. Lives through the heat and drought of Texas and has larger leaves that provides a colorful show in the fall.
ReplyDeleteOooh! I love this one! Anything that makes beautiful fall foliage is a must for me. Gotta get me one next year!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Dee.
Kelly
Next year mine will look similar, it's still a little small right now. You know, it's leaves have had wonderful color though.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! Have you ever visited Aldrige Botanical Garden at Birmingham? It is a relativly small garden, but well worth the drive with a treasure trove of hydrangeas....
ReplyDeletehttp://www.aldridgegardens.com/
You're preaching to the choir here. I just love them. I'm still waiting to see blooms on 'Little Honey'. Hopefully, the repellent I sprayed will keep the deer from chomping on them this winter.
ReplyDeleteI have a Snow Queen Oakleaf which has produced several seedlings. I've been planting them along a dry creek. I think they will be spectacular when they get large enough to bloom.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful shrub~I've seen it massed and as a focal point and it's perfect either way! It looks wonderful with the crapemyrtle in the third photo. gail
ReplyDeleteI love the picture with the bench in the background, the first picture. I also love the last picture, the one with the round metal thing in the back. What is that round metal thing called?
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful...I love that range of colors!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful plants - thank you for sharing them with us. I'm going to see if I can buy any this weekend ..
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