Poland is located in the transition zone of a temperate climate.The influence of the oceanic climate from the west and the continental climate from the east clash over our country.The result of these processes is a large variability of atmospheric phenomena.
A good example is the course of winter 2011-12. Warm air flowing in from the west stayed over Poland almost until the end of January.In December the average temperature was higher than the long-term norm by 2-4 ° C, and in January by at least 1 ° C.Frosty air appeared in eastern Poland only at the end of January.
Such weather surprised the plants. Many perennials and shrubs suffered, incl. hydrangeas and hibiscus. The aura's vagaries bothered the roses particularly strongly.The long period of mild weather from November to January caused the varieties that repeat flowering to start growing prematurelyIt took 2-3 frosty weeks in February for their shoots to freeze.
Frost-damaged roses are not always lost. First, you need to apply a strong cut. Frozen shoots can be recognized by the brown color of the bark. If we cut the shoots radically, the plant may sprout fresh shoots.Of course, you should not allow the harmful effects of frost, so it is worth getting a careful winter protection designed especially for roses.The most important and most commonly used methods of protection are mounding with earth and covering with fleece.
Efficient rose cultivation
Too quick abandonment of frozen shrubs is not recommended in the case of late-flowering varieties.These roses are quite lazy in spring, so they do not start growing immediately when the weather is warm. In this group, the 'Charisma', 'Bremer Stadtmusikanten' and 'Baronesse' varieties are highly appreciated.
Organic fertilizer, with which we feed the roses after cutting the shoots in April, will provide the shrubs with regular doses of nutrients throughout the growing season. In this way, we can safely give up summer fertilization.Also, the often recommended autumn fertilization with increased potassium content will be unnecessary.Reed or wicker mats are a good idea to protect more demanding climbing roses from winds and strong sunlight. By following these tips, we will help our roses survive the vagaries of winter weather in good condition.
What is harmful to our roses?
Waves of frosty air from the north or the east can greatly harm our roses. These winds are especially dangerous when they come after days of moderately cold weather.
English roses are the most exposed to winter aura freaks. They were bred in regions with mild winters with at most several-degree frosts.Under favorable conditions, they wake up very quickly and it happens that the juices in their tissues begin to circulate in January.
That is why February frosts can bother them a lot. The sensitivity of roses to cold is not only determined by genetic conditions. The position is of great importance. The bushes at the southern wall are prone to freezing. The bright wall of the house reflects a lot of sunlight. Heated roses start growing faster.To avoid losses, let's plant late-blooming roses.Mounding is an excellent protection.
You need 3-5 liters of compost per bush. High-rise roses can be covered with airy non-woven fabric. Climbing roses are covered with a wicker or bamboo mat up to a height of 2 meters. It protects against wind and sun at the same time.Remember that the last dose of fertilizer should be spread by mid-June.
Cut the frozen shoots about 3 centimeters above the ground. Such a drastic procedure saves up to 90% of damaged roses.
