How to Winterize Shrub Roses

Most shrub roses are considered hardy roses and can withstand most winter weather conditions. The roots are well below ground and rarely get damaged, even when the growth that shows appears to be ravished by harsh conditions. With some basic care, you can protect your shrub roses over the winter months.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Stop deadheading your rose shrubs at the end of summer. The hardening rose hips help send the plant into a dormant stage and prepare itself for winter.

2. Remove any debris from the area. Some diseases and fungus can survive the winter on fallen leaves and infest your shrub roses in the spring. Removing them promotes a healthier plant that will withstand winter better.

3. Surround your shrub roses with rose cones. You can find rose cones at a garden nursery. Make sure they have ventilation holes so fresh air can circulate around the base of your shrub roses.

4. Pile up 8 to 12 inches of soil around the base of your shrub roses. Make sure the soil you use drains well. Stay away from clay or sand that will keep the moisture away from your roses.

5. Cover the dirt base of the shrub roses with mulch. Pile the mulch approximately 3 to 5 inches so it can insulate the roots of your shrub roses.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use straw instead of mulch. The straw will also insulate your roots, and is often less expensive than mulch.
• Avoid fertilizing your shrub roses after midsummer. Fertilizing promotes new growth, which won't be strong or sturdy enough to withstand the winter.