Winterizing Roses

Although most shrub roses are hardy through Kansas winters, many hybrid teas and other modern varieties require protection. It is important to wait to winterize roses until several hard frosts have occurred, but before the ground freezes. Too early and the stem remains warm and moist; good conditions for cankers to develop. Too late risks damage to the sensitive graft union where the rootstalk attaches to the above-ground growth.

Clean up plant debris in the area surrounding the roses to prevent diseases from overwintering. Mound soil or compost eight to ten inches high around each rose plant. Bring in new soil for this rather than displacing soil from the area around the roses to avoid damaging the roots and exposing them to the cold.

Once the ground has frozen, add a 4-inch layer of straw, leaves, wood chips, or other mulch over the mound and cover it with a layer of soil to hold it in place. This will help protect the plants from the cold but also prevent early budding during warm winter and early spring days. As the mulch settles during winter you may need to add more.

Prune canes to 36 inches and remove weak or thin canes. Tie the remaining canes together loosely to keep them secure during windy weather. If the canes are allowed to whip in the wind it can cause damage to the crown and disturb the soil.

When the ground thaws in the spring remove the mulch and soil from the base of the plant to return the soil level to normal. For more information on winterizing roses check out this Kansas Healthy Yards Video: https://kansashealthyyards.org/all-videos/video/protecting-roses-for-the-winter

Written by: Cynthia Domenghini

Have questions? Contact our office where our Horticulture Extension Agent will assist you with questions.

Phone: (316) 321-9660

Email: callae@ksu.edu