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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 ...
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Waiting patiently for spring



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowFebruary 4, 2011 at 4:25 AM

    Get that lady a shawl, preferably not made of snow.

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  2. LesFebruary 4, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    Oh Lord, her arms done froze off.

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  3. Jill of All TradesFebruary 4, 2011 at 4:53 AM

    Bit nippy out isn't it. Bring on spring.

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  4. EveFebruary 4, 2011 at 5:01 AM

    Sorry Phillip...I'm getting a little impatient!!!
    And I'm going to agree with Lisa! And wouldnt a shawl on her make for a great photo in the snow!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. KellyFebruary 4, 2011 at 5:53 AM

    Here's another one...
    That is a horrible case of frostbite!

    I can hardly wait til Spring. I hear there is more snow on the way. BooHoo!

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  6. scottweberpdxFebruary 4, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    Lovely photo...and yes...we're almost there...spring is just around the corner...right?!?

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  7. GailFebruary 4, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    me, too, Phillip! ps there's an SOS in word verification!

    ReplyDelete
  8. DarlaFebruary 4, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    I'd say she looks a little chilly.

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  9. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2011 at 5:47 PM

    It was nice getting out last Saturday with my tractor hauling mulch to my daylilies and cleaning up fallen limbs. 72 degrees really felt warm, even the dogs were panting from the heat. My daffodils are coming up. Mom next door has one with a bloom on it. Getting close. Mary

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  10. serial tillerFebruary 5, 2011 at 4:12 AM

    Neat photo captions. Here's mine. Hmm, maybe it's too early to go skinny dipping! LOL Spring is coming though if we can tough it out in Feb. It's already the 5th.

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