Winter Protection For Roses

Most modern roses require protection during winter months in most areas of the country. Rapid temperature changes and even brief freezes can injure and often kill unprotected roses. Getting the plants ready for the winter is also a good time to remove any diseased wood or foliage to prevent re-infection during the spring.

Hilling or mounding soil around the base of each plant is an excellent way to protect bush roses. Begin by removing fallen leaves and other debris from around each plant. Removing and destroying diseased plant debris will help reduce disease problems next season. Then loosely tie the canes together with twine to prevent the canes from being whipped by strong winds.

Extremely tall canes can be cut back to 2 1/2 to 3 feet. Next, mound soil from another part of the rose bed 10 to 12 inches high around the canes if you live in an area where temperatures can drop to or below zero degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures can drop to between zero degrees Fahrenheit and freezing, protect the root ball by adding a layer of compost around the base of the plant.

Most modern climbing roses bloom on the previous season’s growth. If extensive winter damage occurs, plants produce few if any flowers. To protect climbing roses, remove the canes from the trellis or support and carefully bend them to the ground. Hold the canes to the ground with pegs or stakes then cover the canes with several inches of soil or compost.

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