Old Garden Rose in a Vase provided by Lilian Perry.
Winterizing Roses!
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.  

For more information visit the American Rose Society.
Disclaimer:   While the advice and information contained in this web page is believed to be true and correct, neither the authors nor board members
can accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The Oklahoma Rose Society makes no warranty,  
expressed or implied with respect to the material contained herein
Oklahoma Rose Society
Day Breaker
Double Treat
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.  

For more information visit the American Rose Society.