In order for roses to survive the severe frosts favorably, they must be properly prepared for wintering. If mistakes are made during the procedure, the plants may not bloom or die in the next season. In this article, I want to talk about the most common mistakes that both beginners and experienced gardeners make.
1. Wrong hiding place
Some gardeners believe that the warmer the covering material, the better the roses will withstand the cold. However, this is a misconception. In fact, frost protection is an air layer between the plant and the structure. To preserve it, the frame and covering material should not touch the bush. Moreover, it must be borne in mind that the fabric will sag strongly under a thick layer of snow.
If you wrap roses in several layers of thick spunbond without creating a frame, the material will simply lie on the branches, displacing the air cushion. In this case, only a thick layer of snow will save the plant from frost. Without it, the roses are likely to freeze.
It is not necessary to make a covering structure in the form of an acute angle on which snow will not linger. It must be remembered that the latter is a natural defense against severe frosts.
2. Incorrect bending of branches
Many varieties of roses have thick long branches that cannot be bent in one step. Failed attempts can lead to crust damage and fractures. Gradual bending over several weeks will help to solve the problem.
The branches must be started to bend in the second half of September. For holding, you can use improvised staples made of thick wire. You should reduce the distance to the ground no more than once a week in warm weather.
Do not bend branches in frosty weather. The bark becomes brittle and cracks easily from the cold. It will be impossible to correct the error.
3. Hilling all kinds of roses
For additional protection from cold weather, it is customary to spud roses with loose dry earth. However, this technique is only suitable for seedlings grown from cuttings and rooted species, with a small depth of roots. In other cases, hilling is not recommended.
The thing is that during the thaw period, the branches are very hot, which leads to cracking of the bark after recurrent frosts. Damage not only causes severe stress to the plant, but is also a place for infections to enter.
4. Autumn watering and loosening
Roses are among those plants that do not need to be watered before wintering. The procedure should be terminated in September. From this moment, the bush begins to prepare for rest. Humidification will continue the growing season and the culture will not be able to prepare for the coming cold weather.
The same applies to loosening the trunk circle. This procedure should be stopped at the end of August. The process interferes with the natural preparation of the rose for wintering.
5. Premature shelter
Many gardeners start covering roses at the end of September, when the main summer season ends. This leads to the fact that under the layer of fabric the bushes begin to rot. With the arrival of night frosts, the bark will crack, making the plant vulnerable. Such premature care harms the shrubs preparing for wintering.
Plants should only be covered in November. Do not be afraid that by the end of autumn the roses will freeze. The culture easily tolerates mild frosts down to -7 degrees.
Read also on my website -Useful neighbors for roses: what is best to plant next to flowers
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