How to Grow Shrub Roses in Minnesota

Shrub roses outperform vine roses in Minnesota.

Growing roses in Minnesota is a challenge because of the extremely cold winter weather and the relatively short summer growing season. There are certain varieties of roses that can endure the cooler temperatures and will thrive in this region. The shrub rose variety, which differs from a vine rose variety, does quite well in Minnesota when it receives the proper care. Winterizing the rose bush is one of the more important maintenance tasks to prevent the rose from dying.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Compost
• 10-10-10 fertilizer
• Twine
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Plant and grow a rose variety such as Austrian Copper, Agnes, Carefree Beauty or Belle Poitivine that can endure cold temperatures. Plant a rose that has its own roots, which are much hardier than other roses. Stay away from any rose that has the words "grafted" or "rootstock" on the label.

2. Plant in a location that receives direct sunlight and has soil with good drainage.

3. Dig a hole in the ground that is twice as deep and wide as the rootball of the shrub rose. Fill the hole with a 3-inch layer of compost. Insert the roots of the rose into the hole, making sure that it sits at the same level it did in the pot. Fill in the hole with soil and pack it down firmly by hand.

4. Water the soil around the rose shrub until it is damp to a 1-inch depth. After planting, give the shrub 1 inch of water per week, except when it rains or snows. Additional watering typically is not required during the winter in Minnesota.

5. Apply 1 tbsp. of a granular 10-10-10 fertilizer onto the soil around the base of the shrub rose as soon as flower buds develop on the bush. Fertilize again the next May as soon as the ground thaws.

6. Dig a trench beside the rose shrub 2 feet deep and as long as the height of the rose bush in late October. Insert a shovel into the soil on the opposite side of the rose bush. Lean back as far as you can to lift the roots out of the soil. Tie the canes of the rose bush together using twine. Tip the bush over sideways into the trench. Cover the trench with soil and add a 4- to 5-inch layer of mulch.

References

• Heirloom Roses: Growing Roses in Minnesota (Zone 3A)
• University of Minnesota Extension: Hardy Roses
• Home Time: Growing Roses
• Texas AgriLife Extension Service:Rose Care and Fertilization