How to Tell If Your Rose Bush Is Alive After Winter

Your Veterans Honor rose shows no growth while others leaf out, but don't dig it up yet. The scratch test is the only reliable way to determine if a rose survived winter.

The Scratch Test

Use your fingernail to gently scrape the bark on a cane. Green tissue underneath means the cane is alive. Brown, dry tissue indicates dead wood. Work your way down the cane until you find green—even if it's near the base.

Why Some Roses Delay

After severe winters, some roses remain dormant longer than others. This is especially true for grafted roses where the rootstock and scion may break dormancy at different rates. Colorado's zone 5 winters can be particularly harsh on less-hardy varieties.

What to Do Now

• Test multiple canes at different heights
• If any green appears, wait 2–3 more weeks
• Keep soil moderately moist but not wet
• Do not fertilize until active growth begins

Mulch (2–3 inches) is fine—it insulates roots without smothering them. Patience is key; many "dead" roses surprise their owners with late emergence.