I live just north
of Manitowoc, WI. I planted
several rose bushes this year. The bed is up against the house and faces
straight west. It's in an area
where the roses receive plenty of sun in the summer and will be exposed to lots
of wind in the winter. Should I cover them, not cover them, cut them back, or
what for the winter?
Hybrid tea roses will need
protection for the winter. Wait
until the soil surface freezes to start winter protection. There are many ways to protect roses
from our harsh winter conditions.
The soil mound method is used successfully by many gardeners. Loosely tie the rose canes or
surround the plants with hardware cloth.
Mound 8-10 inches of soil over the base of the plant. Once this freezes cover the soil mound
and canes with straw, marsh hay or evergreen boughs. Hardy or shrub roses should survive the rigors of Wisconsin
winters. You may want to create a
windbreak using a discarded Christmas tree. Place one or more of these on the windward side of the roses. The temporary screen will cut the wind
and provide shelter for the birds.