Winter Care of Roses

If you live in Zones 1 through 6 and parts of 7, you will need to protect your roses from the damaging effects of harsh winters. Most of all, remember that healthy roses are stronger - fertilizing and watering regularly during the growing season will make your plants better able to withstand harsh winters.

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August:

Fertilize and deadhead for the last time.

October and November:

Depending on where you live and how soon fall and winter comes, you'll want to start protecting your roses for the winter. Once you have had a few good frosts, leaves will start falling. Apply a dormant spray such as lime sulfur and/or spray oil. This will kill pests and fungal diseases that might try to overwinter on the plant or surrounding soil. It can also help nudge those final leaves off. Rake leaves from around your plants to prevent the spread of diseases.

December and January:

In Zones 9-11, roses usually don't go completely dormant, but it still is a good idea to rejuvenate them at this time. Remove all the old leaves, prune out weak, spindly or diseased canes at the base, remove any canes crossing through the center, then prune remaining canes back by one-third to one-half.

Late winter – This is the time to prune your roses - killing freezes have passed and the roses are just starting to break dormancy (buds are swelling).

Water your roses if there is no rain or snow for more than two weeks, to keep roses healthy and prevent them from drying out. Be sure to remove the soil mound and any other protective covering when buds begin to swell in spring.

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