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 still looks very summery (and absolutely beautiful!) but I hope the prediction of an early fall is true. Summer is also my least favorite season and it's stifling here at the moment - we hit 97F this afternoon. I envy you that chance of rain.
ReplyDeleteI see some toasted Hosta, but overall your garden still looks fabulous. 'Buff Beauty' yes she is. 70F! Ahhhh, lovely gardening weather! We had 98F today. Not so Ahhhh. Hope you get a good rain.
ReplyDeleteYou have a beautiful garden. I, too, am ready for fall. Summer in North Texas as been extremely hot this year.
ReplyDeleteYou sure know how to knit a garden. Love seeing your posts. They are inspiring. Cheers
ReplyDeleteThose juniper berries are great!
ReplyDeleteThe Hosta shot illustrates how some are more tolerant of sun than others. I transplanted a hosta to a morning sun-dappled shade and it's toasted. Others with greater exposure look fine, just like those in your picture.
LOVE the stone Morrell mushroomll!
Chavli