Regional Growing Guide: Western Mountains & High Plains
From the eastern slopes of the Cascade and Sierra ranges through the High Plains, this generally arid region battles bitterly cold winters, blustery spring winds, little rain and sometimes brutal summer heat. The soil presents challenges, too, be it alkaline, sandy, clay or infused with salt and boron. Fortunately, the severe climate poses few insect or disease problems. But the roses that thrive here must be cold hardy and survive wild swings in temperature. They often bear strong, leathery leaves to resist desiccation. They also appreciate regular irrigation, heavily amended soil, a thick layer of mulch and protection from the wind.
Select a season: Spring Early Summer Late Summer Fall
Trim Spent Blooms
Continue to remove or deadhead spent blooms on roses. For hybrid tea roses, trim back to a five-leaflet leaf on the stem. Trim floribundas, grandifloras, climbers, miniatures, and shrub types just under the bloom head or spray. Allow rose hips to form on rugosa and old garden varieties.
Don't Retire the Hose, Yet
Continue to water roses deeply, particularly those planted in full exposure or on slopes. You can get by with watering once every week to 10 days. Set a frog-eye sprinkler around the root zone and allow to run for 20 minutes or until the soil is watered to a depth of 4 inches or more.
Plant More Roses
Take advantage of fall savings and purchase container-grown rose bushes. Get them planted before the end of October to allow them to become settled in before the ground freezes solid. Water monthly during dry spells of fall and winter.
Condition the Soil
Fall is a good time to add some compost or sphagnum peat moss to the rose garden. Spread a few inches over the soil and lightly cultivate in so as not to damage the roots.
Plan a New Rose Garden
Want more roses in your landscape? Now is good time to walk around your garden and plan a spot for a new rose bed. Locate it where it can be viewed from the house. This will give you a head start in spring so you can order early and get your top choices before they sell out.