Begin by removing leaves that have fallen to the
ground around the plant and any foliage still attached
to the stems. This will reduce the chances of disease.
Apply a light feeding (preferably 0-10-10) around each
plant and water well. Prune to 1/2 their height and
tie the canes together with twine. In areas where
winter temperatures don't go below 20 degrees F, no
winter protection is required for most roses. In areas
with colder temperatures, start your preparations just
before the first hard freeze. Most of the newer shrub
roses as well as many of the floribundas and
miniatures don't need winter protection, so the
following guidelines are most applicable to hybrid tea
and grandiflora roses, as well as for any other rose
varieties of questionable hardiness. (If in doubt,
protect it.)
IF WINTER TEMPERATURES DROP TO 0 DEGREES F
The base of each rose must be protected by an 8-inch
mound of soil (imported from another part of the
garden), coarse compost, leaf mold from a 1 year old
pile, shredded bark, or other organic material. This
protection will have to be removed in the spring.
IF WINTER TEMPERATURES DROP BELOW 0 DEGREES F
Increase the mound size to 12 inches. The 12 inch
mound can be covered with another 8-10 inches of loose
mulch, such as pine needles, oak leaves, pine
branches, or straw. If winds are severe top the pile
with baskets or other coverings.
LARGE-FLOWERING, REPEAT-BLOOMING CLIMBERS
If temperatures drop below -5 degrees F these roses
will need special care. Remove the canes from the
supports and lay them on the ground.Cover the entire
plant with soil or mulch.
About the author:
Jackie Carroll an avid gardener and the editor of GardenGuides.com, and
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