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 ...
Your garden looks so lush and lovely! I especially like that Florida anise - a new one for me (naturally it does not grow in the north, phooey.) That mock orange also has to be the most elegant I've ever seen. Those do grow up here, but perhaps a different variety? The ones I've seen are a bit "wild" looking, with much smaller flowers. Your iris are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteEverything looks so vibrant and happy. Your gardens are full of color and yes, we too are enjoying this long spring and it appears the gardens are as well. Lets enjoy this mild stuff while it is here, soon it will be stinking humid...
ReplyDeleteIt is exciting to see all of these blooms. It makes me anxious for things here to get blooming. I love those iris. Of course I just love seeing all of it. Soak up those lovely spring days.
ReplyDeleteOh, your blooms are so pretty! Everything seems very happy in your garden.
ReplyDeleteI think mine is enjoying the nice weather also. Have a great weekend. Carol
Wonderful pictures! I love mock orange - I wish people would plant more of it.
ReplyDeleteYour garden is so lovely! Kolkwitzia amabilis is a favorite of mine as well. The peeling bark in winter, the light fresh smell of the flowers and the pretty fuzzy business that remains when the flowers drop. The bees and birds seem to like it too. Many think of it as an old fashoned plant and I've not seen it at nurseries in this area either. Love the gazebo and, well, everything in your garden!
ReplyDeleteSpurge, I don't know much about that mock orange. If memory serves me correctly, I purchased it at a local plant sale many moons ago.
ReplyDeletePhillip,
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the crested iris. I don't think I've ever seen it before.
I am weeks away from weigela blooms but thanks for the preview. I love a slow spring. Sigh!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous bevy of blooms. The crested iris and ground orchid duet is marvelous. Love to see a good mock orange blooming. My grandmother who lived on the edge of the Outback always was a believer in planting a mock orange near her bedroom window for the intense. Not a bad strategy if you've ever smelled one.
ReplyDeleteThe beautybush is magnificent! I love the combination of ground orchids and roof iris. Your beautiful mystery iris looks like it could be 'Helen Collingswood'.
ReplyDeleteHi Philip, I thoroughly enjoyed the look into your spring garden! Your beauty bush certainly lives up to its name. I also love your Florida anise, a plant that is now on my must have list!
ReplyDeleteAs always, your garden is delightful! I think your Iris looks very similar to Chartres.....but you'll have to do the comparing...it's hard to tell without a "real" plant to look at to feel confident about calling it!
ReplyDeleteThat iris and orchid combo bears repeating.
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