halfing periennals and pruning oso easy roses - Ask Extension
Hello,
I have some very overgrown iris and phlox perennial plants that I would like to half - would it be best to do that now or in the spring?
I ...
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halfing periennals and pruning oso easy roses #376237
Asked November 09, 2016, 2:38 PM EST
Hello,
I have some very overgrown iris and phlox perennial plants that I would like to half - would it be best to do that now or in the spring?
I also have some OSO Easy Rose bushes and wondering if I should prune those now or leave them until spring? I would like to at least trim them up, but wondering if leaving them as is might help them throughout the winter. They all died after the first winter in my yard, so I got new ones and they survived last winter after pruning and covering them with some leaves/mulch.
Thanks for any advice you can provide!
Jessi
Carver County Minnesota
Expert Response
It's too late to divide perennials in the Twin Cities area. The plants need time to establish new roots before the ground freezes.
Most perennials can be divided in early spring but there are a few exceptions. Iris should be divided in August or early September.
Learn more here:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/flowers/dividing-perennials/
Oso Easy roses should be able to survive Minnesota winter without special protection. Most growers prune them in early spring, shaping the branches and removing any that show winter damage. Sometimes most of the old stems are killed but, if the plants are healthy, the stems are quickly replaced by new growth from the crown.
Most perennials can be divided in early spring but there are a few exceptions. Iris should be divided in August or early September.
Learn more here:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/flowers/dividing-perennials/
Oso Easy roses should be able to survive Minnesota winter without special protection. Most growers prune them in early spring, shaping the branches and removing any that show winter damage. Sometimes most of the old stems are killed but, if the plants are healthy, the stems are quickly replaced by new growth from the crown.
Thank you very much for the response Bob!
