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 ...
Wonderful--many plants that won't grow in my region. Gorgeous dogwood and Ceanothus. Looking forward to your rose photos. That last one is lovely.
ReplyDeleteMarvellous blooms.Is Helianthemum is a variety of portulaca it seems quite similar to them .
ReplyDeleteArun, no, I don't think so.
DeleteYou have so many plants I'd love to grow and can't. I'm tempted by that yellow Geum but I've been babying another variety for 3 years now with no more than a few blooms each season so it's on the verge of being yanked. I fell in love with the Horminum pyenaicum on sight and will have to look into its heat and drought tolerance.
ReplyDeleteGosh, it looks sooo amazing. Everything seems really mature, too. I love that Helianthemum, such a great sun plant. Happy gardening!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dogwood. And very robust blooms on the lavender, as well as a unique flower.
ReplyDeleteSunroses are so pretty, but I've never been able to keep them alive.
ReplyDeleteCelestial Shadow is such a gorgeous tree. I have had mine about 3 years. It has ONE bloom on it. I can't figure out why???? It might be that it doesn't get enough light. I am going to show this picture of yours to it to make it jealous so it will bloom more. That is all I know to do to encourage more blooms. ;) I can see why people want that blue blooming ground cover. Your garden has outstanding blooms this month. Spring is wonderful isn't it. Happy GBBD.
ReplyDeleteLisa, it may just need more time. This one puts out more blooms each year. This year I've seen more than ever. The first years, not that many. One other thing you might try is threaten it with eviction if it doesn't perform the next year. I swear that works!
DeleteHa ha, I have used the latter from time to time and I too think it works. I am hopeful that this tree starts performing better now. When I bought it it was during a drought year. Then we had a couple more drought years. Now things are sort of getting back to normal. I am hoping it will respond. It even lost some of it's color in the leaves. I thought it was going to die but it has held on. I do baby it a little. I am sure it has helped too.
DeleteWhat a wide variety of fabulous colors and shapes and sizes!
ReplyDeleteFeel free to share at My Corner of the World