Winter Care for Shrub Roses

By providing winter protection, your shrub roses will bloom beautifully again in the spring.

Caring for your rose shrubs during the winter season is important for their continued growth during the spring and summer seasons. You will need to provide protection from wind and cold damage that could occur if the rose shrub is not cared for properly during the winter. In addition to cold damage, animals can harm your shrubs by feeding on the foliage that can injure or even kill the shrubs, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. Choose cultivars that will tolerate the cold weather according to the climate you live in. By taking proper precautions during the fall, your shrub roses will be protected during the winter, thus promoting a healthy shrub for the spring.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Soil
• Compost
• Mulch
• Burlap bag
• Twine

Instructions

1. Stop applying fertilizers after August to the shrub as recommended by the University of Illinois Extension. This will encourage the shrub rose to slow down its growth.

2. Remove dead foliage and blooms to prevent disease that can cause growth problems in the spring. Continue regular watering in the fall until the first frost.

3. Pile loose well-drained soil and compost mix over the shrub 10 to 12 inches high. After the hill has frozen, place mulch on top of the mound for further protection. Remove in the spring after the last frost.

4. Place a burlap bag or wrap burlap around the shrub rose and tie it with twine. This can be done instead of using a soil mound.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Winter Protection
• University of Minnesota Extension: Protecting Trees and Shrubs Against Winter Damage