Why cut off rose leaves for the winter: tips for beginners

Proper care of roses in the fall is crucial, which will affect the splendor and quality of flowering in the next season. Roses should be well prepared for winter. Standard procedures include watering, fertilizing, and pest control.

Experienced gardeners also advise cutting off the leaves of roses for the winter. OBOZ.UA tells you why it is necessary and how to carry out the procedure correctly.

Benefits of picking leaves

Roses are whimsical plants. They are prone to various diseases, such as powdery mildew and black spot.

Leaves can become a real source of infections that can survive in the environment even in cold winter conditions, so cutting them off reduces the risk of disease. In fact, removing the affected leaves helps reduce the likelihood of disease spreading in the spring.

Another advantage is the reduced stress on the plant. Leaves take away some of the resources needed for growth and flowering. When the leaves are cut off, the main forces and nutrients are accumulated in the roots and stems, which is especially important before the winter dormant period.

After the leaf removal procedure, it is easier to prune and treat the shoots from pests or diseases, which contributes to healthy growth and lush flowering in the next season.

Leaves can be a place of accumulation of pests. Removing them reduces the number of shelters that insects can use in winter.

What to do with the torn leaves

Tearing off the leaves helps to improve the winter hardiness of plants, as the lower weight of the aboveground part reduces the risk of damage from frost and wind gusts.

Old leaves should never be left in the garden. After removal, they should be removed from the site, taken away, or burned – this is most relevant for plants that have been affected by diseases or pests.

So if forecasters predict a frosty winter and roses are often sick, it is better to cut off the leaves.

Roses need to have a certain supply of nutrients to withstand the cold winter. You should start preparing in September, and pruning should be done after the October frosts. 

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.