How to Use Rose Cones to Winterize Rose Bushes

Winter weather can wreak havoc and even kill your roses. While there are several ways you can go about preparing your rose bushes for winter, you can use rose cones to winterize your rose bushes quickly and easily. Rose cones can be purchased at most major garden supply stores and is a shelter device that goes over your rose bushes to cover and protect the flowers through the winter months.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Rose cones
• Pruning shears
• Planting soil
• Bricks
• Nail

Instructions

1. Measure rose bushes. Measure the approximate height and width of each rose bush you want to protect for the winter.

2. Purchase rose cones. Purchase one rose cone for each bush you're covering. Make sure the height and width of each rose cone is as close to the height and width of the bushes you're covering (you'll be pruning the bushes so dimensions do not have to be exact).

3. Cut rose canes. Use your pruning shears to cut the rose canes back so that the bush fits inside the rose cone.

4. Fit rose bush with cone. Slide the rose cone over each rose bush so that the widest end is toward the ground and the smaller end is on the top of the bush. Make sure the cone goes as close to the ground as possible.

5. Fill with soil. Pour 4-6 inches of soil into the hole at the top of each cone. This will slide down the center of the plant and helps to act as additional insulation.

6. Secure the cone. Place one or two bricks on top of the cone to hold it in place.

7. Create ventilation. Use a nail to poke three holes at the top of each cone to allow for air circulation to and from the rose bush.

References

• Garden Services
• Winterizing Roses
• Rose Cones