May 2011
September 2011When you grow roses in a mild climate you typically end up cutting them back twice a year. Once in the winter, usually in January along with removing all the foliage to force them into dormancy that they would naturally experience in colder climates where they originate. The second time is at the end of summer, usually August when they just look tired and sparse. I good cut back and fertilizing this time of year will result in a nice display during the fall months. Not as exuberant as spring, mind you, but a pleasing enough show when most other plants are winding down for the season. What to do until they bounce back? Enjoy photos of the spring!
When we bought our house in Oakland two years ago, it came with some sad neglected rose bushes. I've been composting and pruning, but I can't seem to get them nursed back to robust health. I get nice flowers, but the foliage is sparse and sad. Any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteI need to cut my roses back now, but I hate to cut off any blooms! Delayed gratification, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteLisa and Robb,
ReplyDeleteIf the previous gardeners used that popular 3-in-one product for roses that includes a systemic pesticide it may take a while to bring life back to the soil. Keep fertilizing with an organic rose fertilizer or maybe even some alfalfa to get the bacteria in the soil thriving again. I believe in cutting back roses hard to revive them. Keep up the diligence and I'm sure in a year or two they will be lovely. Roses are very tough plants! Good luck!