How to Prepare Rose Bushes for a Chicago Area Winter

Winterizing protects roses from cold Chicago winters.

Roses are common garden and landscape plants throughout most areas of the United States. While rose bushes can tolerate winter temperatures in the southern and central portions of the U.S., they need to be winterized in more northern climates. In the Chicago area, roses bushes must be protected from the temperatures, snow fall and windy conditions that can damage them. With proper protection, the roses will bloom again in spring.

Things You'll Need

• Rake
• Top soil or compost
• Shovel
• Dried leaves, straw or pine boughs

Instructions

1. Apply the last dosage of fertilizer, if desired, to the roses no later than August 15th in the Chicago area to prevent excessive growth before cold weather.

2. Wait until the nighttime temperatures have fallen to at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit for three nights in a row. Remove any remaining leaves from the rose bush. The leaves will come off easily since they will be dead or dying. Rake up all of the leaves under the rose bush and dispose of them to prevent disease.

3. Place well-drained top soil or compost around the base of the rose bush in a mound. Continue adding soil or compost until the mound is at least 10- to 12-inches high.

4. Wait two to three days until the soil around the rose bush has frozen and then apply an additional 10 to 12 inches of dried leaves, straw or dried pine boughs.

Tips & Warnings

• Stop dead-heading or cutting flowers after October 1 to encourage dormancy.

• Leave the material on the rose bush until the ground thaws, which typically occurs around March in the Chicago area.

References

• Chalet Nursery: Winterizing Roses
• University of Illinois Extension: Winter Protection