Now that the days are getting shorter and the nights have that familiar “nip” to them, it’s time to prepare your roses for the long winter nap to come. Here are the necessary steps to tuck them in for the winter:
- Continue watering
You will be watering less than you were in the summertime, but continue giving them sufficient water to keep them healthy before the onslaught of winter. - Discontinue feeding
Fertilizer is no longer necessary or desirable. You don’t want to encourage any soft, tender growth. - Continue treating for insects and diseases
Treat only if you notice any damage. - Clean the area around the plants
Pick up and dispose of any fallen leaves or old flowers. Healthy leaves can be used in the compost pile, but do not use those that are damaged by insects or disease. - Do not prune
While you may continue cutting flowers to bring in the house, do not cut the plants back severely at this time of year. Newly cut branches will not be able to scab over before winter comes and will lose moisture and die. Wait until spring to do any major pruning. - Leave the rose hips
These are the bright red fruits that form where the flower used to be. They provide some vibrant color for the fall garden and are also the plant’s cue to begin winding down for the winter. - Spray your plants with an anti-desiccant
Anti-dessicants help protect them from drying out in the cold winter winds. - Protect less hardy varieties
Construct a 12″ mound of soil or mulch around the plant to give them added protection from the cold. You can add an extra layer of protection by using a Styrofoam rose cone.
Come spring, your roses should wake up from their winter dormancy happy, healthy and ready to go!