CONSULTING ROSARIAN REPORT January
When it’s not raining go out and clean up the leaves that have fallen, prune out canes that are dead and diseased, small (less than a pencil diameter), and cross through the middle of rose bushes. January (and February) is the best time to prune and shape modern rose bushes and the climbers (hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, shrubs), miniature and miniflora roses; don’t prune old garden roses until after they bloom in the Spring (they bloom on the year old wood).
I have some blooms and lots of foliage even with rain and several days of frost. Strip the leaves,
and clean up all the debris; Use a horticultural or dormant oil mixed with a copper solution. The oil smothers insect larvae, while the copper acts as a fungicide that can reduce rust, blackspot and powdery mildew in your garden. These solutions can also be used around the garden on other plants susceptible to fungal diseases (lilacs, phlox, peach and apricot trees, etc). Plan to spray twice at 7 – 14 day intervals. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and safety tips for appropriate attire when using any sprays, organic or not.
Spend your free time cleaning and sharpening all your pruning tools after each dormant pruning day and you’ll be ready for the next day! Very important if they are wet, get them cleaned and oiled, or you will have a rusty mess.
Now is the time plant those new bareroot roses you’ve bought, to repot containers (some of mine really need it) using fresh potting mix and compost or start a new raised bed. If you have shovel pruned the dead or unwanted roses; dig out a 3 foot deep and wide area, refill with new compost and potting soil before planting a new rose.
