Question
I live in the Atlanta, Ga area.  Low temps get around 20's.  What do I need to do do winterize my climbing roses?  This is my first attemt at roses.  I planted them this past spring.

Answer
Hi Paula-

You can cover the climbing rose with a tarp or large sheet of plastic or a blanket to try to shield it from the cold.  Keep watering it at the base only as water helps to protect the roots from freezing.  I don't think you should have too many problems because most roses won't suffer too badly at 20 degrees if they are climbing hybrid teas.  You might get some frost damage if they are hybrid musk roses or climbing tea/noisettes.  Usually I wait until after the last frost (late January or early February in my area - but you can check the historical data for last frosts in your area) and thats when I do my pruning, I just prune off the frost damage which is usually at the end of the canes.

Goodluck-

Carlene