Winterizing Roses (When To Act)

Early fall is a perfect time to check each rose bush to determine whether it was planted at the correct depth.  Roses planted too high are, for the most part, unlikely to survive even a mild winter.
The graft union must be planted 4-5" below soil grade in order to protect it from temperature extremes.  If you find a rose bush which is planted up too high, gently dig it up and replant at the correct depth.

Winterize when the ground freezes.  

This could be mid-December.  Let Mother Nature be your guide.

Any sooner, and you may be encouraging critters to set up a warm, winter home with your roses.

The time to act is when:

• the ground is frozen
• no new growth appears on your roses
• the plant has lost most or all of its leaves
• night temperatures are at or below freezing routinely

You can protect your roses with several tools.  Have your choice of supplies ready to go:

• Mounding:  soil (remember to keep it thawed until you're ready to use it), compost, shredded leaves (oak leaves must be shredded, maple leaves compact too much and stay too wet), mulch (shredded hardwood), or straw.
• Collar:  You can use a rose cone with the top cut off. 
• Cage  Use chicken wire and re-rod to construct your cage. 
• Rose Cones  

Next:  Instruction on how best to use the above to protect your rose bushes.