Why Is My Gardener Taking All the Leaves Off My Roses?
If you’ve noticed your gardener meticulously stripping leaves off your roses as the temperatures drop, you might be wondering, What’s going on? It might seem counterintuitive to remove healthy-looking foliage, but this seasonal ritual is a crucial step in ensuring your roses thrive year after year. Here’s why your gardener is doing this—and why your roses will thank them for it.
1. Preventing Disease for a Healthier Spring
Roses are prone to fungal diseases like black spot, mildew, and rust. These pathogens love to overwinter on fallen leaves and any foliage left on the plant. By removing all the leaves in the fall, your gardener is eliminating potential homes for these troublemakers, reducing the chances of disease taking hold when the weather warms up again.
2. Encouraging Dormancy
Roses, like many plants, need a period of rest to prepare for their next growing season. Stripping the leaves helps the plant understand it’s time to go dormant. This energy-saving phase allows the rose to conserve resources, making it ready to produce vigorous new growth and blooms in spring.
3. Cleaning Up the Garden Aesthetic
Let’s face it—by fall, rose leaves aren’t exactly looking their best. They might be spotted, torn, or drooping after a long growing season. Removing the leaves tidies up the plant and the garden, creating a clean slate for winter pruning and spring regrowth.
4. Improving Air Circulation and Light Penetration
Bare stems allow more air to flow through the plant and light to reach every part of it. This creates a healthier environment and sets the stage for strong, evenly distributed growth next year.
5. It’s Not Just About the Leaves
When your gardener removes rose leaves, they’re also inspecting the plant for any hidden issues. They might spot pests, signs of disease, or deadwood that needs addressing. This hands-on care ensures your roses are in top shape before winter sets in.
Should I Do This Myself?
If you’re tempted to grab a pair of gloves and start stripping leaves, proceed with caution. Proper rose care requires a trained eye to avoid damaging stems or buds. If you’re unsure, leave it to the pros—they have the expertise to ensure your roses are prepped for winter without harm.
The Reward: Gorgeous Roses Next Year
Stripping rose leaves may look like a harsh step, but it’s all part of the cycle of care. By addressing potential problems now, your gardener is setting the stage for healthier plants and bigger, better blooms when the growing season returns. So next spring, when your roses burst into bloom, you’ll know the secret to their success started with some thoughtful fall TLC.
Have questions about rose care or want to schedule a garden tune-up? Get in touch with us! Your roses deserve the best.