Roses are cold-resistant plants that can be grown even in high latitude areas, but they require extra care in winter to ensure they are not damaged by low temperatures. Spending just a few minutes of your time can make these plants stronger.
According to a report by the UK’s “Daily Express,” Allen, a professional horticulturist from the American gardening company Jung Seed, stated that one method of protecting roses in winter is “hilling up,” which is a simple gardening technique that can prevent them from being damaged by harsh weather.
This is done by building up 6 to 10 inches (15.2 to 25.4 cm) of soil or compost around the base of the plant. The soil or compost should not be taken from around the base of the plant but from other locations.
One of the most common reasons for the death of flowers in winter is the constant freezing and thawing of their roots due to inconsistent temperatures. This means that the plant’s roots are often in a damp state, leading to rot and fungal diseases, ultimately causing death.
Covering the soil, mulch, or other organic matter around the base of the rose plant can protect its roots and graft union, which is the swollen area.
Firstly, remove any dead or decaying leaves from around the rose plant. Then, build up several inches of soil or compost around the base of the plant to cover the graft union and form a mound.
Next, add mulch on top of the mound. You can use a layer of straw, tree leaves, or other mulching materials.
Allen mentioned that if the graft union of the rose is planted properly and is positioned 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) below the soil surface, covering it with soil up to 6 inches (15.2 cm) above the graft union is sufficient.
He advised that if the graft union was not covered during planting, or if you know from past experiences that the variety is particularly delicate, increase the covering to 8 to 10 inches (20.3 to 25.4 cm).
This simple gardening task takes about 10 minutes to complete, but it can protect your roses in cold weather, ensuring they remain healthy and flourishing in the coming year.
According to the American magazine “Better Homes and Gardens,” how to prepare roses for winter depends on the climate and the type of roses you are growing in your area.
In addition to the general methods for winter protection of roses mentioned above, the magazine also shared how to protect shrub roses and potted roses in winter.
For shrub roses, follow these steps:
1. In areas that are not very cold in winter, pile straw around the base of the rose shrub. In colder regions, use soil instead of straw around the base of the rose shrub, as soil provides better insulation.
2. Place a wooden stake frame around the rose shrub.
3. Wrap a wide piece of burlap around the wooden stake frame and the shrub. Secure the burlap with twine or wire. Fill the enclosure with dry tree leaves or straw.
4. In extremely cold regions, you can lay the entire shrub rose down, burying it in a trench with soil.
For potted roses, you can move them into a garage without heating or a sheltered spot on the south side of the house for winter.
In very cold regions, place the plants and pots in a spacious cardboard box and wrap the box with shredded newspaper or dry tree leaves to protect each plant. Surround the box with bundled dry straw.
Preparing early will help your plants survive the coldest months of the year.