How to Winterize Rose Bushes in Minnesota

Protecting your rose bushes during the cold, snowy winters in Minnesota is a must if you want to have healthy and prosperous rose bushes in the spring. Provide protection to prevent cold and animal damage during the winter. Cultivars such as Polyanthas, Ramblers and most Shrub Roses, are cold-resistant and should be considered when obtaining rose bushes in Minnesota.

Things You'll Need

Soil
Compost
Evergreen bough

Straw
Pruning Shears

Instructions

- 1
  Cease feeding the rose bush fertilizers after August. This will help slow down the growth of the rose bush. Continue regular watering until early fall.
- 2
  Remove dead or damaged roses, limbs and leaves to prevent diseases that occur during the cold months. Do not prune back the rose bush once it is bare of leaves. Wait until the spring.
- 3
  Pile loose, well-drained soil and compost mix over the bare rose bush 10 to 12 inches high as recommended by the University of Illinois Extension. Do not use soil that is already around the rose bush, for it is needed to protect the roots.
- 4
  Cover the soil mound with evergreen boughs or straw after the mound has frozen to provide more protection by keeping the soil frozen.
- 5
  Remove the soil mound in the spring after the danger of the last frost has passed. Prune the rose bush back to 12 inches high.

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