How to Use a Rose Cone to Protect My Blueberry Bushes

Rose cones are devices made of polystyrene foam and have a hollow interior. As the name implies, they were originally designed to protect rose bushes in winter by preventing frost damage and increasing the air temperature around the plants. In addition to roses, the cones can be used to protect other outdoor plants such as blueberry bushes. Rose cones will work only for small blueberry bushes, because they are relatively short and narrow, and will not cover large bushes.

Rose cone
Safety glasses
Drill
1/2-inch drill bit
Mulch
Brick

Instructions

- 1
  Cover the blueberry bushes in winter; doing so earlier will cause them to deteriorate. Cold-hardy blueberry bushes can withstand temperatures down to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the north, while other varieties show damage at 32 degrees Fahrenheit in the south.
- 2
  Install a 1-inch diameter drill bit into a drill and put on safety glasses.
- 3
  Place the rose cone on a sturdy surface or on a level area of the ground. Drill four to five holes around the top and the bottom of the rose cone. Make sure that the drill bit penetrates the polystyrene foam.
- 4
  Mound up straw, pine straw or other mulching material around the base of the blueberry plant until it covers the crown and reaches the lowest branches.
- 5
  Place the rose cone gently on top of the blueberry plant, letting it rest on top of the mulching material. Make sure that all of the branches are completely inside the cone when it is on the ground.
- 6
  Place a brick or other heavy object on top of the cone to hold it down and prevent the wind or rain from blowing it over.

Are Coffee Grounds Good for Blueberry Plants?

Insects That Eat Blueberries

Growing Blueberries