| This is the first year I have had rose bushes and do not know how to get them ready for winter or when to cut them back. I live in the Midwest with very cold winters, can you help me? |
| If these are hybrid tea roses, cut them back to about three feet tall in late fall. This will reduce wind blown damage during the winter. Heap soil (taken from elsewhere in the garden) over the base of the plant so it covers the crown and lower part of the canes. Then heap mulch over top of that. Some gardeners prefer to use rose cones or similar protective gear. To use these you will need to cut the plants back harder so they will fit inside. If your roses are landscape shrub roses considered reliably hardy in your zone, all you need to do is mulch generously in late fall. Good luck with your roses! |
