Winterizing is needed for most northern climates. Winter hardiness of roses is subject to many variables, mostly the
micro climate of the garden, the condition of the rose, the weather and the varieties. Some varieties can withstand the
winter better than others. There is no one way of the winter temperatures and icy winds.
How much protection roses need depends on their micro climate. Bushes planted near the house are already protected to
some degree Spots in the garden that are sheltered from icy winds by shrubs or walls also may require little protection.
However, bushes in the open and especially those in low ground, may require the full treatment.
Winter survival of roses depends as much on the condition of the bush in autumn as on any type of winter covering.
Sickly bushes any not make it through the winter no matter what treatments are used. Bushes heavily infected with
blackspot or mildew and those without sufficient water will be at greater risk of serious damage than healthy bushes.
Winter damage is caused by the water that makes up the plant cell freezing and expanding. In cold climates, pruning
roses in the fall makes them more subject to winter damage as it encourages the sap to rise to form new tender growth.
The sap freezes and the plant is damaged.
Cold temperatures alone are not harmful as the bushes become dormant. The trick to successful plant protection is to
keep them dormant. Apply winter protection before the ground is real cold and it will delay dormancy by keeping the soil
warm. Therefore, it is important to wait for the right time. Some varieties have the ability to convert water to a form that
doesn't freeze. This is an inherited characteristic that makes the variety hardy.
Another cause of damage is due to drying out of canes exposed to cold winds at low humidity. Dormant roots cannot
supply moisture to the canes and damage results.
The other side of the coin is too much moisture. A heavy, soggy mulch can wreak havoc. Consider using mulch with
materials that will not hold so much water, such as oak leaves, pine needles, hay, etc. Piled high on the bushes, these
materials will also protect the canes form wind damage.
|
|
