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Nov 4, 2016 11:53 AM CST

Can landscape fabric (etc.) be used around roses to protect them for the winter? I'm in zone 6
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Nov 4, 2016 8:13 PM CST
Name: Elaine
Sarasota, Fl
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Hi and welcome. My opinion on landscape fabric (and I know a lot of other gardeners agree) is that it should not be used anywhere in garden beds. It doesn't do what it's supposed to do (supress weeds) but it does a lot of things it's not supposed to do. Every time I've used it anywhere, it has come back to haunt me, either not letting enough water through, not doing the job of preventing weeds . .. coming out from under the layer of mulch and getting caught up in the lawn mower. The only place it's been any help at all is under the gravel on my pathways, and still it rears its ugly head there sometimes. But at least it holds the gravel from sinking into the soil for a while.

Your roses' roots need insulation and moisture retention for the winter, and a thick layer (4in. or more) of organic mulch like wood chips, or shredded bark will do a much better job of that. Even leaves and grass clippings can be piled around roses for the winter to help insulate them from freeze/thaw cycles, and keep the soil from drying out around the roots. But wood chip mulch is better because it doesn't pack down as much.
Elaine

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Last edited by dyzzypyxxy Nov 4, 2016 8:16 PM Icon for preview
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Nov 4, 2016 11:46 PM CST
Name: Daisy I
Reno, Nv (Zone 6b)
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I agree And would add that pine needles make great winter mulch and they are free.
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Nov 5, 2016 5:38 AM CST
Name: Sue
Ontario, Canada (Zone 4b)
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Welcome! I'm wondering if @parrgandyaolcom was thinking of using the landscape fabric to cover the soil around the rose (which would not protect it much for winter and I share Elaine's opinion on its problems) or whether the idea is to actually wrap the roses with it. Also what would be the "etc."? Not all roses need winter protection even here in zone 4, it depends on what kind or cultivars they are.
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