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 ...
Already nearing the end? That seems fast. Meanwhile, the little we get down south hasn't even gotten started.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous
ReplyDeleteGorgeous Fall colors, I love the Black Tupelo. Barberries remind me of living in Oregon, so colorful.
ReplyDeleteI Really love your article thank you for writing such article.
ReplyDeleteI shuttered when I saw No. Seaoats in your garden. Of course you are a more attentive gardener than I am. They pop up everwhere in my garden. I find them difficult to dig out and keeping them in a sensible range. I will be interested to hear if you ever tire of them.
ReplyDeleteThe color in your garden is fabulous. Always something of interest.
Lisa, I have always heard that. I used to grow it in Alabama and started to notice seedlings popping up after many years. Here, I've not seen one seedling - yet (knock wood). I have it planted in a gravel area so they will be easy to see if that happens.
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