
Winter Care for Roses
I live in the north where winter temperatures can drop below zero degrees. Should cover my roses for the winter?
Grafted roses, including most hybrid teas, usually benefit from winter protection in northern regions. The key to success is waiting until the ground freezes to cover the plants for winter and removing the protection as the temperatures hover around freezing in the spring. I recently heard about a new twist on the traditional soil mound method. Create a 10 to 12 inch tall collar (cylinder) from corrugated cardboard. Some gardeners use newspapers with the ends stapled together or several brown paper bags with the bottoms removed. Place the collar around the plants and fill with compost. Use wire wickets to secure the collar in place as needed. Once frozen the compost and newspaper stay in place. When the compost thaws in spring spread it and the partially decomposed paper over the surrounding soil. Remove winter damaged canes and prune as needed in the spring. Just think, you protected your grafted roses and improved the soil in one step. For details on other wintering techniques, check out one of my book Month-by-Month Gardening books.
Related
Categories
Upcoming Webinars & Appearances
March 22, 2023
FREE WEBINAR:
In a Pot, You Can Grow Alot!
Register now
March 25, 2023
OCMGA Annual Garden Conference
Appleton, Wisconsin
March 26, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin
March 29, 2023
FREE WEBINAR:
Gardening Basics to Boost Your Success
Register now
April 1, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin
April 5, 2023
FREE WEBINAR:
What's New - Discover
New & Unique Plants!
Register now
April 11, 2023
Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association's 2023 Speaker Series
Darmstadt, Indiana
April 18, 2023
FREE WEBINAR:
Growing a Bountiful Harvest even when Time, Space & Budget are Limited
Register now
April 20, 2023
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater Speaker Series
Racine, WI
Register now
April 22, 2023
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL
April 25, 2023
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Grand Rapids, MI
Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND
Learn More