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Rose Pruning Again

Late February to early March is the time for the major pruning of roses. Back in December, I did a preliminary pruning , now is the time for the last major pruning before the spring season begins.  First, a comment on hybrid tea roses. This is what most people have in their gardens. I only have a few hybrid tea roses. These are the roses that need the most drastic pruning. Basically, you cut all the canes down to about 1 foot, making the cuts right above an outward-facing bud. The result will be something like this -  Most of my roses fall into the shrub and climbing categories. These roses are pruned differently and not as severe as the hybrid teas. For shrub roses (and many of the David Austin English roses fall into this category), I first take out the older canes completely to the ground. The older canes are easy to spot - they will be thicker and darker in color. After thinning out the older canes, I remove any canes that are damaged, crossing one another and canes that ...
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Fall is not over yet!

Despite the recent band of cold temperatures and even a snow threat (rare for November), there is still some beautiful foliage in the garden and the sasanqua camellias have been blooming nicely. This is Alabama Snow Wreath  (Neviusia alabamensis), a native shrub along the north fence next to the street. The leaves have been spectacular this autumn. 



 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. David - Pinewood CottageDecember 2, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    it really has been a beautiful fall here too.

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  2. GailDecember 2, 2011 at 3:32 PM

    I still a few blooms but, I don't think they can last much longer. Love the Snow Wreath.

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  3. Lisa at GreenbowDecember 3, 2011 at 12:24 AM

    Isn't it amazing how the last yellow leaves look like beacons in the late fall sunshine.

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  4. DDecember 3, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    Fall is not over yet in the PNW either as the leaves on the Sweet Gum still cling to most of the branches, but this morning's hard frost may help it along. Happy Fall and winter, Phillip

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  5. sweetbayDecember 5, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    The bright yellow leaves on the snowwreath are lovely!

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  6. BoDecember 5, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    I love the yellow foliage on that shrub...no fall is not over here...I've been wearing short the past couple days.

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  7. sherryocalaDecember 11, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    That's a great shrub. Hope your fall lasts a little longer.

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  8. Digital Flower PicturesDecember 12, 2011 at 3:45 AM

    Not familiar with the Alabama Snow Wreath but it looks great. You are lucky to have any foliage left. Our landscape is bare and dreary.

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  9. RandyDecember 16, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    My gardening bug is really starting to kick back in now. I think next year is going to be a much better year. BTW I got your email about catching you up. I promise I'll get around to that sooner or later. :-)

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  10. Peggy HillDecember 18, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    This shrub is on my list for 2012. Thanks for sharing the lovely fall color. Merry Christmas Phillip!

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