Preparation for the winter is one of the most important events in the life of the bush rose. On how correctly it will be carried out, not only the future flowering depends, but also the very existence of the rose bush. You can learn how to prepare shrub roses for the winter from our article.
How to prepare bush roses for the winter?
Preparing for winter shrub roses begin in August, severely limiting the number of irrigation and conducting additional fertilization with a phosphorus-potassium complex that stimulates the fastest maturation of shoots. In early September, all the lower leaves are removed from roses, and in the middle of October - and all other foliage. Remaining in the bushes foliage can lead to active reproduction of pathogens of fungal diseases.
Do we need to cut out bush roses for the winter?
It should be remembered that any pruning is a powerful stimulus for the formation of new shoots. On the eve of winter frosts, new shoots significantly weaken the bush rose, significantly reducing its winter hardiness. Therefore, pruning roses for the winter should be very carefully, removing only the diseased or broken parts of the bush. With properly organized shelter, even the unseen shoots are able to winter without special losses, the only thing that threatens them is a slight cracking of the bark.
How to cover a rose rose for the winter?
Among the many ways how to insulate a rose rose for the winter, the most rational was the air-dry shelter. In this method, the air layer, which remains between the rose bush and the waterproof cover (polyethylene, lutrasil, paper, etc.), plays the role of protection. The roses so covered easily withstand prolonged frosts to -30 degrees, regardless of the amount of snow cover. During periods of thaws, such a shelter can be easily ventilated, which avoids obstruction of bushes.