| I have just received 4 monrovia nursery tree roses as a gift, and am unsure of the care they need in order to survive our winters here in zone 6-7. Could you recommend a source for this information? Thank you very much. I am looking forward to years of enjoyment. I hope I can. Robin Salonus |
| Tree or standard roses are produced by bud-grafting the desired rose variety onto a tall stem. Since the cold-sensitive bud union may be 2 or 3 feet above the ground, tree roses are extremely vulnerable to winter injury or death. Protecting a tree rose is simply a matter of tipping and burying the plant. The first step in protecting a tree rose is to decide which direction to lay the plant. Then loosen the soil in the opposite direction with a spade. Put the blade into the soil about 1 to 1 1/2 feet from the base of the stem. Then gently rock the spade back and forth to loosen the soil and free the roots. Loosen the soil in a semicircle around the plant. On the other side of the tree rose, dig a trench to accommodate the plant and then carefully bend the trunk (stem) down to the ground. Peg the stem down with stakes. Finally, completely cover the tree rose with several inches of soil. You can mound dried leaves or straw over the top for additional insulation. In the spring, dig up the plant, fill in around the roots, water it well and it should begin growing for you. Best wishes with your new tree roses! |
