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| Photo: Vicky Spelman |
As we look at many gardens around the Denver metro area, we are realizing that this has been one of the harshest winters we've had in some time. Starting with the hard freeze last October, through the mid-winter dry spells, and including mid-April's temperature drop into the teens, our rose canes have taken a beating. Hybrid teas, shrubs, climbers - lots of dead and shriveled canes, many of them just since the last storm. This note is to let you know the damage is not just in your yard - we are seeing it all over.
As temperatures warm, your roses will come back! Once you've identified where the best new strong growth is coming from (in many cases, from the base of the plant this year), prune to that growth, seal the cane ends, fertilize with Mile-Hi Rose Feed, water as needed, and your roses will recover fast and bloom well.
Martha's recently pruned rose bush.
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| Denver Rose Society |
As an extra tip, Master Rosarian Carol Macon of Colorado Springs has shared her hack for winter-damaged roses: "In years past I have used a mixture of fish emulsion and Vitamin B1 (comes in gallon jugs) to jump start decimated plants. Use amounts specified on the containers."
Disclaimer: Jefferson County Master Gardener does not endorse any commercial products. Mention of products in articles, photographs, or videos does not mean endorsement.