Winterizing Tall Roses & Climbers Without Severe Pruning

Alisha wanted to protect a 6-foot red rose bush and a 6-foot Cherokee rose climber on a trellis in winter without cutting them down. Jay's strategy:

For the Climber (Cherokee Rose)

1. Remove canes from trellis carefully (watch for vicious hooked thorns).
2. Wrap entire cane structure in burlap, securing firmly against wind.
3. Mound soil/mulch 12 inches high over crown.
4. Add straw around base for extra insulation if ground freezes deeply.

For the Bush Rose

• Mound soil/compost 12 inches over crown.
• Wrap canes in burlap or use rose cones (ventilated).
• Don't prune until spring—height provides insulation.

Critical: Cherokee rose thorns are "fishhooks"—wear heavy gloves and long sleeves. Burlap breathes; plastic traps moisture and causes rot.