Why a Newly Planted Red Rose Failed to Break Dormancy in West Virginia

Red Roses and Winter Hardiness

Red and dark-colored roses are generally less winter-hardy than pink, white, or yellow varieties. In the Appalachian Mountains, a newly planted 'Sub-Zero' red rose that shows brown canes with only a moist woody center is dead—killed by winter cold before it could establish.

Protecting the Replacement

When the nursery sends a new plant next spring, mound at least 10 inches of soil or compost over the crown after the ground freezes. This insulates the graft union and lower canes, dramatically improving survival.