Horticulture

 

 

Winter Advice: Roses

By Tony Latimer, Thanksgiving Point Gardens

Winterizing Roses

Now that cold weather is upon us it’s time to think about getting plants ready for winter. One plant in particular that needs winter protection is the Hybrid tea rose. Roses usually have two seasons of color, the first bloom in late spring, and the other in late summer, or early fall. The last application of fertilizer should have been applied around the end of August. This allows the rose bush to continue feeding into the fall without stimulating new growth before going dormant. To best prepare your roses to survive the winter, resist the temptation to deadhead the blooms in mid September. Spent blooms will develop a rose hip, which in turn, will send a signal to the plant that it is time to shut down for the winter. Keeping the base of rose bushes clean will also help keep them insect and disease free for the coming spring.

Pruning

By the end of November, extra long canes can be shortened to prevent breakage from wind or heavy wet snows. Dead or diseased canes can also be trimmed out at this time but the majority of pruning can wait until spring when it is easier to identify winter kill and prune the bush for structure.

Mulching

As soon as the ground freezes rose beds will need to be mulched to insulate them from extreme temperature fluctuations and icy winds. Unless you live in an area where there is consistent snow cover, or the temperature doesn't’t drop below 20 degrees for extended periods, a mulch layer should be applied. A layer of wood chips, straw or soil pep, piled 8-10” inches above the crown or graft union will help to insulate the rose bush through the winter. By early March the base of the bush should be inspected and mulching material removed before coming out of dormancy. Mulch that isn’t removed may keep the base of the plant to wet and encourage fungal diseases.