Fallen leaves can be used as mulch all long as they are not diseased(Image: (Image: Getty))

Roses will ‘flower bigger than ever’ by adding item to soil in winter

by · DevonLive

Roses, known for their natural resilience and health, are typically unfazed by the chill of winter, yet gardeners can still give them an extra advantage with winterisation techniques.

The process of winterising involves fortifying plants against the severe conditions winter brings—protecting roses from biting winds, frosty temperatures, and their dormant phase may involve tactics like covering, wrapping or even mounding, also referred to as hilling.

Applying a protective layer of mulch over the rose's base is commonly suggested, utilising materials such as potting soil, decomposed compost, or pine bark, extending up to 12 inches above soil level.

But what happens when your autumnal garden is inundated with leaves?

Roses will ‘flower bigger than ever’ if 1 natural scrap item is added to the soil now(Image: (Image: Getty))

This organic matter can be repurposed as an effective layer of mulch. With doubts cast on the suitability of fallen leaves for the purpose of sheltering roses, one gardening aficionado consulted the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook group.

Kathryn Julie Laylock posed the question: "Can you put fallen leaves as mulch for roses at all to protect them? " Promptly, Lynn Peacock reassured: "Yes you can, they will rot down over winter and help keep the plant hydrated.", reports the Express.

Adding her own green-fingered wisdom, Fiona White remarked: "Yes and I put cones on top and it looks great. They don't blow away like that."

She elaborated: "Been using the same cones for four years now. Just rake them over, add leaves and put them back on top."

Fiona advocates the benefits of leafy mulch, extolling its virtues as a soil enhancer, insect habitat provider and fodder for industrious worms.

Sandra Jones shared, "I use all my leaves as mulch and have done for years with no trouble. My roses and camellias flower bigger than ever once summer rolls around."

Roses will benefit from being mulched in autumn for the winter season(Image: (Image: Getty))

Mark Mouland contributed his view, "Yes they make a great free mulch, the worms will love them too. Too many people think they just make a mess and just take them to the tip or even burn them."

Janet Crookes chimed in, "Fallen leaves are the food I put on my garden and all my flowers love them. After all, it is the only food the forest trees get."

As for the question on how to mulch roses, before applying mulch, make sure to feed your roses and moisten the soil, ensuring it is devoid of old foliage and weeds.

Then proceed by laying a one to two-inch blanket of your preferred mulch around the rose's base, spreading it out to the extent of the rose's canopy.