How to Winterize Roses: Protect Bushes and Climbers from Freeze Damage

Why Winterize?

Prevent plant death and cane damage from freezing temperatures.

Critical Don'ts

• No fertilizing in winter—stimulates tender growth vulnerable to freeze.
• Avoid white plastic cones—they trap excessive heat during thaws.

Bush Roses: Prune and Mound

1. Cut back to ~3 ft.
2. Remove small canes; keep 3–5 vigorous ones.
3. Strip all leaves.
4. Mound soil or mulch (wood chips, sawdust, shredded hardwood, pine bark) 15–18 inches high around base.

Climbing Roses: Trench or Wrap

• Trench method: Dig trench beside plant, loosen roots, tip plant into trench, cover with soil.
• Wrap method: Tie canes together, wrap in straw, mound base with 10+ inches of soil.

Choose Hardy Varieties for Extreme Cold

Rugosas, Griffith Buck, Modern Roses, Centifolias, Species Roses, Gallica, Alba, Shrub Roses.

Timing Is Everything

Wait until ground freezes or after two hard freezes before applying protection.