| Winter care for bare-root climbing roses,IN NW suburbs of ILL. Iwant to know what is best for the long canes of the roses, since it has grown long this summer. |
| The first step in overwintering roses is allowing them to go dormant, which they'll naturally do as a result of dropping temperatures and shortening days. They'll stop growing and lose their leaves. Don't prune or fertilize them after midsummer -- both spur new growth that is too tender to withstand cold temperatures, and reduce the cold hardiness of the entire shrub. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist as the roses go dormant. Once they are dormant you can tie the long canes together so they don't whip around in the wind or you can prune them back individually and secure each to a trellis or other supporting structure. Good luck with your new climber! |
