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 As autumn approaches, think about
protecting your roses from the harsh elements of winter. Guidelines from
commercial rose growers suggest the following:
- To discourage new
growth, do not fertilize after mid-August
- Refrain from pruning
(including spent flowers and rose hips) after the last flush of fall flowers,
which is generally about six weeks before the first frost (Remember the
average first killing frost in the Pikes Peak Region is October 10th)
- Continue watering
during the autumn
- Avoid transplanting
- Insulate the plants by
mounding each with 12” of soil around the crown early to mid-fall—mulch after
the ground freezes solid, usually after several nights of temperatures
around 20 degrees
- Use rose collars for
ultimate protection—climbing roses need special protection because of their
upright position—you can wrap them with burlap or other insulating material as
well
For any questions you have on this article, or any topic of concern, email us—or
better yet, come by and talk to one of our professional staff members.
Remember, Phelan Gardens
is open year-round!
For additional information, check the following
links:
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