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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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A bit of snow

Colorado Blue Spruce 'Globosa' and Deodar Cedar 'Feelin Blue'

 

It was snowing hard when I went to bed late Saturday night and we woke up to a nice dusting. It didn't last long and was almost completely gone by the time I made it outside to get some photos. We are getting loads of rain which is good. It still has not really felt like winter though and has just barely hit the freezing mark.
 
And Merry Christmas to me! I've been wanting one of these for a long time -

Pinus contorta 'Chief Joseph'


 


 The new back fence is festive, thanks to Michael. He made the bows and the wreath.

 

Other plants of note -

Beautyberry 'Profusion' (Callicarpa). I didn't think birds liked these berries but I saw some on it last week. Now that I've moved my computer to face out the front window, it is amazing what you see!


Fatsia japonica


Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki’

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)

African Honey Bush (Melianthus major)

Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'

Mugo Pine 'Aurea' (Pinus mugo)

New Zealand Orange Sedge (Carex testacea)

Pinus strobus 'Nana Blue Shag'

St. John's Wort (Hypericum inodorum 'Pumpkin')

Phormium 'Rainbow Queen' and Persicaria 'Red Dragon'

The big chartreuse plant in the middle is Himalayan Honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa 'Jealousy'). I'm planning on moving it toward the back of the wall soon.


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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