Winter rose protection
Roses are a beautiful addition to any garden, but they need a bit of winter pampering to keep them in top condition. Do some light pruning to remove any dead or diseased canes. It's not necessary to invest in Styrofoam cones to protect your roses from the cold, but you do want to cover the area with chicken wire and fallen leaves to add extra nutrients and help lock in moisture. Building up a 12-inch soil mound around the plant is also a good way to keep rabbits from feeding on the stems. However, remember to remove all of your winter protection before new growth starts in the spring.
Radio interview source: Doug Jimerson, garden editor, Better Homes & Gardens
To learn more about protecting your roses during the cold winter months, we recommend the following resources:
Basic Rose Care: Tips on keeping your roses in top condition throughout the year, plus a downloadable gardening calendar.
Winterizing your roses: Follow these three easy steps to ensure that your roses come back bigger and better each year.
Winter Rose Care: A simple plan to ensure cold winter weather doesn't damage your roses.
