Rose of Sharon Care - Ask Extension
Before winter, should I trim back my Rose of Sharon which grew 1 1/2 to 2 feet and was plastered to the ground when it rained heavily over the summer....
Knowledgebase
Rose of Sharon Care #813208
Asked October 04, 2022, 7:08 PM EDT
Before winter, should I trim back my Rose of Sharon which grew 1 1/2 to 2 feet and was plastered to the ground when it rained heavily over the summer. I am concerned limbs will break under winter snow.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi June,
I wouldn't recommend any heavy pruning this fall, simply because pruning can stimulate growth, which won't harden off with cold weather coming.
You could treat this like a climbing rose and cut back the tallest branches by a few inches (up to 1/3 of the height), but save the majority of the pruning for late winter/early spring. I would do any pruning to reduce wind/snow load sparingly.
But for the most part, focus on mulching the base, giving the shrub a good drink of water before really cold weather sets in and water occasionally in winter if it's really dry.
It's beautiful!
I wouldn't recommend any heavy pruning this fall, simply because pruning can stimulate growth, which won't harden off with cold weather coming.
You could treat this like a climbing rose and cut back the tallest branches by a few inches (up to 1/3 of the height), but save the majority of the pruning for late winter/early spring. I would do any pruning to reduce wind/snow load sparingly.
But for the most part, focus on mulching the base, giving the shrub a good drink of water before really cold weather sets in and water occasionally in winter if it's really dry.
It's beautiful!
Thank you. So appreciate your help.
June Gilbert
