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Rose Pruning Again

Late February to early March is the time for the major pruning of roses. Back in December, I did a preliminary pruning , now is the time for the last major pruning before the spring season begins.  First, a comment on hybrid tea roses. This is what most people have in their gardens. I only have a few hybrid tea roses. These are the roses that need the most drastic pruning. Basically, you cut all the canes down to about 1 foot, making the cuts right above an outward-facing bud. The result will be something like this -  Most of my roses fall into the shrub and climbing categories. These roses are pruned differently and not as severe as the hybrid teas. For shrub roses (and many of the David Austin English roses fall into this category), I first take out the older canes completely to the ground. The older canes are easy to spot - they will be thicker and darker in color. After thinning out the older canes, I remove any canes that are damaged, crossing one another and canes that ...
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July Hydrangeas



Despite several hot periods (and another one starting Thursday, lovely), it has been a good year for hydrangeas. We have them in various places throughout the garden but the largest concentration is on the terraced area underneath the dogwood tree.


Taking a closer look...

Four hydrangeas are visible in this photo - 'Pistachio' in front left and 'Twist-n-Shout' on the right. 'Bloomstruck' is on the back left and an unknown variety at the back right.

A closer look at 'Pistachio'. Lime green and pink - an odd combination for sure but it seems to work.

'Pistachio' alongside Persicaria 'Golden Arrow'
and 'Eldorado' grass in a pot behind them.



'Annabelle' is really nice this year with more blooms than ever and sturdy, upright stems (it still needs support).

A new arborescens called 'Invincibelle Ruby'. I didn't expect to like this one but it has surprised me. 

'Fire Island' is really, really pink.

'Tuff Stuff' is being shaded by a Sourwood tree in a pot.

'Fairytrail Bride' in a pot. The jury is still out on this one. I think it needs more sun...

I hate it when I lose the name of a plant. This hydrangea is an unknown, probably purchased on the Home Depot sale rack.

A view from the top with 'Nikko Blue' on the left
and 'Annabelle' again on the right. 

'Little Fresco', a panicle hydrangea advertised as very small. We shall see. From the looks of stalks that are shooting skyward, my guess is "no".

'Little Quickfire', a panicle hydrangea, in a large pot.


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonJuly 31, 2024 at 8:43 AM

    Oh, Phillip. Here I thought I'd put the idea of growing hydrangeas far behind me and now I once again find myself enamored with them. As if the Fling tour hadn't already stirred my interest, you've gone and reinforced that with this post.

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverJuly 31, 2024 at 9:50 PM

      Thanks Kris! I'm guessing hydrangeas are difficult to grow in CA?

      Delete
  2. Ardith FergusonJuly 31, 2024 at 7:21 PM

    Phillip, these are beautiful photos. I counted at least 13 different hydrangeas. How did you decide on which ones to start with when you were beginning your garden design?

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverJuly 31, 2024 at 9:49 PM

      Ardith, most are spur of the moment purchases. I'm more of "buy now, decide where its going later" gardener.

      Delete
  3. tz_gardenAugust 12, 2024 at 8:56 AM

    Oh wow, beautiful. I love the picture with the pathway, so enticing!

    ReplyDelete

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