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In temperate climates, most of the rose plants go dormant during the winter months. And in way, we do, too. Though we may be ever so busy indoors with winter holiday activities, we still tend to want to stay warm, perhaps sleep a bit more. We cannot hibernate like some animals, but we still [...] Author: MJ Blake
Taking basic precautions to protect your roses in winter is important for sustaining a garden. If you live in a temperate climate, the work will be different than the steps needed for very cold winter areas.
 A rose in winter in a mild temperate climate. Image by pen3ya via Flickr Do a little research before purchasing your first plant for a successful garden. Check out the US National Arboretum’s website or contact your local garden supply store to determine your climate zone. Zone 10 is the warmest zone, and Zones 4 and below representing the coldest zones. Ask a local garden expert to help with determining what plants will work best for your area. As the warmest of climates, Zones 9 and 10 rarely have frosts so winter preparation is simpler. Winterizing roses is still important – though not as extensively. Plants still need to shut down production and damaged leaves should be removed to eliminate fungal and pest attacks. Feed plants with a light fertilizing mix in November for a December flowering. Then prune for the winter. Continue reading Protect Your Roses in Winter Those who live in very mild climates may enjoy their rose gardens all year round. But for those who have already put their roses to bed for the long, cold winter, now is a good time for making the indoors more beautiful. Of course, you may want to grow some miniature roses indoors, if [...] Roses after first snowfall. Image via Wikipedia Author: Lewis Paul In spring most gardeners prune, water, spray, weed and fertilize properly, therefore winter is a much easier time on roses. If you were growing roses for cuttings, growing miniature roses, transplanting roses or simply enjoying your first year of rose gardening there are [...] Author: Barbara E. VolkovSome of us feel that just because it is winter that we can not plant winter flowers. There are some flowers that we can plant for a winter garden that will bloom all the through March.
It may be true that flowers are very rare in extremely cold climates but there are some that are so hardy they can push through the frozen soil and a blanket of snow. There are many flowers that will endure through cool weather but there are only a few that will make it in very cold temperatures. If the ground you are working with has already had a frost and will probably get another one it is probably too cold for a winter garden. If you have had one frost already and you do not expect another you may have a better chance. The biggest question is when will the freezing stop? One way to get started with a winter garden is to plant a few hardy shrubs that have some brightly colored berries and there are some that will flower. Witch hazel is a flowering shrub that is very hardy and will probably bloom in December and January; they are so strong that you will notice that they still have their flowers during the snow and ice. The flower colors are usually red or yellow and have a spicy fragrance. There are only a few superior winter roses available that will bloom in January and February and they are the Christmas Rose, Lantern Rose and the Ivory Prince. The colors of these rose range from a creamy ivory and a burgundy to a pale green. Continue reading Our Garden of Winter Flowers  Image by igidu via Flickr Roses provide beauty and fragrance throughout the spring and summer months. However, if you live in a climate where the winter months are chilly, your roses will require a bit of winter maintenance to ensure they’ll return the following spring. It’s true that many rose species will continue to bloom through the months of October or later, but it’s vital to begin the process of winterizing during the fall. This way, your roses will have time to harden off, providing some of the protection they require to survive the cold winter temperatures. September is a good time to begin the winterizing process in most areas. Some areas of the country may need to begin earlier if temperatures tend to drop drastically and quickly. For those of you relatively new to rose gardening, “hardening off” a rose plant means that you’ll provide ample food and water to fortify their roots and then prepare them for winter. Essentially, it’s akin to a hibernation state for roses. If roses aren’t properly prepared in the fall, the root system is likely to break, therefore effectively killing the rose plant. Continue reading Winterizing Roses |
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