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 ...
There is a lot of this rust in my garden right now. Someone turned off the rain.
ReplyDeleteI love hydrangeas even when they've finished blooming--so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe leaves still look good. I know people elsewhere are going to hate me for saying this but I bet all your garden looks good because of the rain this year.
ReplyDeleteIt came a shower earlier today here and is thundering again now!
David, this is wettest summer I can remember, but I'm not complaining.
ReplyDeleteThat is so beautiful...like warm, glowing embers!
ReplyDeleteI, too, think they still look lovely this way, though it is perhaps a bit too early for such fall-like colors.
ReplyDeleteI must have this hydrangea, Phillip! What is it? And does it do well in dappled shade?
ReplyDeleteI must have this hydrangea, Phillip! What is it? And does it do well in dappled shade?
ReplyDelete(Oops, I may have double-posted under my son's acct + my acct ... sorry about that.)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Hydrangeas just keep adding beauty to the garden!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love the light in this photo. :o)
ReplyDelete