Winterizng Roses/Erin Murray

Winterizing Roses

by: Erin Murray

This fall many of us will dig out our winter coats, hats, and mittens in preparation of the cold weather to come. Many plants also require special care in preparation for winter months. Roses are no exception. We need to bundle our roses up in the fall so they too are ready for the harsh winter weather to come. They only require a few extra steps during the fall, according to Michael Holigans do it yourself: winterizing roses, to help them make it through the winter and ensure healthy growth next spring.

Six-Eight Weeks Before Frost Hits (Mid-August in MN)

The first step in winterizing roses occurs around six weeks before frost hits. The process includes restriction of fertilizing to the plant and cutting back on watering. This is known as �hardening off�.


After First Hard Frost
Next after a hard frost, it�s time to cut roses back to about 12 to 18 inches tall. Make sure when pruning to make good, clean cuts right above the growing point on a stem, the node. Dead stems should be cut back all the way to the ground. Once pruning is completed, next gather quality topsoil from another part of the garden. Sandy soil is preferable to a humusy mix. With this soil we are going to pile and pat firmly around the base of the rose. The mound serves as an insulation to the soil keeping the cold in the root zone. This step is for prevention of temperature fluctuations which might induce the rose to start growing on a warmer winter day. Next we need to create a cylinder out of chicken wire, prepare this a bit higher than the bush and large enough to fit over and around it. Stake is down with either metal or wooden stakes to ensure that it will with stand harsh winds. Another option is purchasing a rose cone. They are a styrofoam dome that will serve a growers� needs, although be aware on sunny days they can become extremely warm damaging the plant. Minimization can be taken by not placing them over the roses until the ground is near freezing, early to mid-November. Air wholes or a removable top is key for vitalization of the cone and avoiding damaging heat. Either your choice of the cylinder or rose cone need to be filled with mulch. It�s important that the mulch doesn�t compact during the winter. So a good option would be one like pine needles. Some other insulation options are bark chips or leaves. Fill completely over the rose and around six to 12 inches below the top of the cylender if you have the space. The mulch helps to minimize the possible damage that can come from temperature fluctuations.

Around Mid-April

In the spring the process is just going to be reversed! Cautiously remove the cylinder or dome and then gently remove mulch, careful to not damage any new growth. It�s best to wait until the ground has completely thawed before removing the soil. Saving some of the mulch is a good idea for a light insulation around the base of the bush after removing soil.

Now you know how to properly prepare your roses for the winter. With all of these preparations for winter keep in mind the most important consideration is to make plants go into winter strong and healthy. This particularly includes pest control. Remember a vigorous bush will withstand winter better than a weakened one!

References:
Drawings By Elayne Sears.