How to winterize rose bushes?

Richard Fenney
by Richard Fenney

In past I have tipped rose bush on side, covered roots and stem with dirt for winter. Is this the same with traditional rose bushes?

  4 answers
  • Lisa Lisa on Oct 26, 2018

    Never heard of doing that. I cut my roses back in late fall. I then set up burlap wind break around them with stakes. Other than that I dont do anything. I live in Michigan, 40 minutes from Lake Michigan. Beautiful every year.

    • See 1 previous
    • Lisa Lisa on Nov 01, 2018

      Thanks for that info!

  • William William on Oct 26, 2018

    I pile dry leaves around the base of my roses.

  • Unless you live in a super cold zone, not that many people do that any more.

    • See 2 previous
    • Yes, Wisconsin can get super cold, then it would be appropriate. Our neice lives in Madison. She was a California girl and her first winter was miserable. My in laws used to do this in Michigan and in Buffalo, NY. My friends in Illinois do not, and neither do the Colorado or North Carolina folks. Certainly a matter of preference - or need. Back in the day my ex and I would have to fly back in the fall close up the house and in spring, open up the house. We flew out Friday night, worked all day Saturday and Sunday morning, then hopped a plane back home Sunday afternoon to be back at work on Monday. Glad those days are over!

  • Judy Judy on Nov 01, 2018

    I’m in NY and leave them alone for the winter.