Understanding the Timing
Timing is important in everything including winter protection of roses.
Allow roses to go dormant naturally.
As the weather cools, often in October, stop cutting blooms and let rose hips form.
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If you want to dry rose petals, give blooms a slight twist before they turn brown.
Collect and discard fallen leaves that show signs of black spot, rust, or powdery mildew.
These fungal diseases can overwinter as spores and wreak havoc next spring.
Don’t prune too early.
Pruning while temperatures are moderate can signal the rose to produce new, tender canes susceptible to winter damage.
Wait until mid-November to remove dead or diseased canes and reduce the overall size of the rose plant.
Old garden roses can be climbing, trailing, or bushy shrubs.
While they can benefit from winter protection, they are more likely to survive subzero temperatures.
These varieties are more sensitive to diseases and winter damage and should always receive winterization.
All roses grown in containers should receive winter protection to prevent damage.
Rack back mulch in a 12-inch diameter circle around the base of the plant.
If using bagged soil, be sure it does not contain fertilizer.
The cones provide additional protection around small rose bushes and tea roses when mounding soil or mulch.
