Climbing Roses in the Winter

Mulch

• Like all types of roses, the roots of climbing roses need extra protection in cold winter weather. Build up a mound of mulch around the base of the rose plant. The mound should be at least 10 inches high. The mulch can include insulators like wood chips, soil, leaves, branches, straw and sawdust. Start by gently packing soil around the crown, or base, of the climbing rose and then building up a layer of insulating mulch.

Bending

• Untie or unwind the canes from the trellis or supporting structure. Gently bend the canes to the ground, taking care not to break or crack them. Bending the canes must be done before consistently freezing temperatures arrive, or they will become too stiff and brittle to bend. After bending the canes to the ground, cover them with at least 6 inches of soil. Place a layer of mulch, such as wood chips or straw, on top of the soil.

Wrapping

• For canes that cannot be removed from their support, or areas where winter weather is not as extreme, climbing roses can be protected by wrapping the canes. Gather the ends together so that the canes are in a loose bunch. Pack straw in and around the canes, securing it with twine and then wrap the entire plant with burlap or another protective cloth, tying the fabric with rope or twine.

Health

• Keeping climbing roses alive through the winter begins with proper care in the spring, summer and fall. A healthy rose plant will endure harsh, frigid weather much better than a weak or unhealthy plant. Proper pruning, fertilization and water throughout the growing season, as well as rapid treatment of any problems, such as pests or disease, will give a climbing rose the strength it needs to make it through the winter. A neglected rose plant, on the other hand, is likely to be damaged or die. Before winter arrives, make sure any damaged canes are removed and that the plant is not infested with any pests, such as aphids.