I'm expecting cold temperatures. Do I need to protect my roses?Updated 3 months ago
Roses are quite resilient plants, but they do need protection when harsh conditions arise. Specifically, protection is necessary if you anticipate a hard freeze, which is defined as temperatures dropping below 28°F for an extended period.
Indicators for Protection:
- Hard Freeze Warning: Issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when temperatures are expected to fall below 28°F for an extended time. Roses require protection.
- Freeze Warning: This warns of temperatures dropping below 32°F for a prolonged period. While this can harm some commercial crops and residential plants, roses typically do not need protection.
- Freeze Watch: Issued when there is potential for significant freezing temperatures within the next 24-36 hours. Roses usually do not require protection in this scenario.
- Frost Advisory: Indicates that frost is expected, which may threaten sensitive vegetation. This could damage tender new spring growth on roses, but will not kill the plant.
Protection Methods:
To safeguard your roses during colder months, consider the following methods:
- Covering Plants: If a hard freeze is expected, cover your roses with a 5-gallon bucket, a large rubbermaid tub, or a frost cloth to provide immediate protection.
- Insulating After Pruning: Insulate your roses with fresh topsoil or compost after pruning. Create a mound around the base, covering the canes up to one foot high. Adding a layer of dry leaves or wood chips on top can provide extra insulation.
- The "Burrito" Method: For regions with sub-zero temperatures, employ the "burrito" method. After the first frost, trim the canes to about three feet tall and tie them together. Apply at least one foot of topsoil or compost over the canes, then cover this layer with straw or leaves, securing it with wire mesh for ventilation while keeping the canes snug. In the spring, you can easily remove the protective materials, which can be repurposed as mulch for your garden.