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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 ...

Bring On The Fall Color

Gingko 'Troll'

The Fall colors seem to be coming sooner this year. The Stewartia was the first tree I noticed, and it changed weeks ago. Others, such as many of the Japanese maples and dogwoods, haven't changed yet.

Stewartia pseudocamellia



Bluestar (Amsonia hubrechtii) is the most colorful fall perennial.



I would say the most colorful shrub is the Bloodtwig Dogwood (Cornus 'Midwinter Fire'). It began to change color weeks ago and it has really grown this year. 



The best year so far for Fothergilla 'Jane Platt'. This has been an extreme slow grower but it is finally filling in.


A colorful grouping with the amazing Miscanthus 'Little Miss',  Joe Pye Weed and Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboretum). 

Miscanthus 'Little Miss' is the most colorful ornamental grass in the garden.



Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) changes color from the inside out.

Wiegela 'Wings of Fire'


Looking down the garden pathway with Cornus 'Midwinter Fire' in the distance.
Notice the mushrooms - I've never seen so many as I have this year.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Wow, this is fantastic! I love the Gingko. You're a true artist with color and texture. Little Miss in front of the green doesn't even look real. And the orange Stewartia in front of the purple blooms, my goodness. I'll say it again, your neighbors are so lucky!

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  2. Lovely splashes of yellow and orange! That last shot is beautiful, mushrooms included.

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  3. Your photo of the Miscanthus is fantastic! I love your compositions in the garden and on film.

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  4. Wonderful fall colors, Philip.
    How tall is your Stewartia pseudocamellia and how long did you have it?
    Chavli

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  5. Oh my goodness, I swoon from all this gorgeous fall color! But I am an absolute nut for autumn. Well done Phillip!

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