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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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Cool Photos Before the Heat

Catalpa 'Aurea' - I just discovered that the flowers are
 quite fragrant, similar to honeysuckle.

The heat wave lingers - today we reached 100 and tomorrow is expected to go higher. The one thought that keeps me from wanting to jump off the nearest bridge is that I remember Alabama where it is always like this. Although the heat breaks a bit on Wednesday, the long-term forecast shows temps in the mid to upper 80s. This isn't really "back to normal" at all! It is disgusting and even Michael, who said he would never make another move after this one, is wanting to move to the coast! 

In the meantime, here are some cooling shots taken in the days before the inferno hit.

Pinus contorta 'Taylor's Sunburst' and 'Sea Foam' Rose
 with a bloom from Clematis durandii peeking in.

Outside the front window is a mix of heathers ('Firefly' and 'Multicolor'), Allium 'Millenium', Hibiscus 'Midnight Marvel' in a pot and annual snapdragon. The snapdragon usually will last all summer but who knows what will happen in the current conditions. This is my favorite variety, which is a peachy color but it appears more red in the heat.

Roses 'Lady of Shallot', 'Lyda', 'Rozanne' geranium and Dappled Willow 'Hakuro Nishiki'.


Stay cool!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. danger gardenJuly 9, 2024 at 10:27 AM

    Your garden is looking lush and lovely Phillip! Re: Michaels possibly moving again, your comment reminded me of something a friend who moved here from Nebraska once said "If I'd have wanted temperatures like this I would have moved to Phoenix"...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ardith FergusonJuly 9, 2024 at 5:38 PM

    Your garden looks like a paradise! You have so many beautiful specimens and color compositions. Having just moved here from Colorado, I'll take the heat here any day compared to intense sunny heat in a high desert = fire danger.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverJuly 9, 2024 at 5:47 PM

      Thank you Ardith! At least it isn't humid like it was in the South. But we really hate the heat and I worry that the climate change will affect our ability to grow the beautiful things the region is known for.

      Delete
  3. Kris PetersonJuly 10, 2024 at 8:08 AM

    I know how hard it is to face wilted and burned foliage and flowers following a heatwave, Phillip. I hope your heatwave is waning. The garden will of course spring back in time.

    ReplyDelete
  4. tz_gardenJuly 10, 2024 at 8:26 AM

    Oh wow, everything looks so good. I hope the heat didn't hit anything too hard. Taylor's Sunburst made me audibly gasp. Stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Angie // Garden FeastJuly 10, 2024 at 3:52 PM

    Oh wow. Your garden is in full bloom. And it does look cool, especially as here in Minnesota we are having 86F which is not normal for us. Stay cool too!

    ReplyDelete
  6. tz_gardenJuly 13, 2024 at 8:30 AM

    Hmm, I think my comment was consumed by ? Taylor's sunburst is glorious, love the color & texture so much. Such wonderful combinations you have, the last shot does make me feel cooler. Hope you got through it unscathed!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hoover BooJuly 15, 2024 at 6:00 PM

    Another cool-weather fan here. I hate summer! I hope your garden wasn't too damaged by that terrible heat--that last photo especially, so lovely!

    ReplyDelete

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