By now, with winter fast approaching, Small Farm Canada readers that are gardeners need to consider how to protect your tender roses from the impending cold.
Most hybrid tea, floribunda, and grandiflora roses are bred for warmer climates and require special care to survive harsh northern winters.
Gardeners have developed various techniques to safeguard these delicate plants, and timing is crucial. It's essential to wait until the roses have entered complete dormancy after experiencing several hard freezes.
Additionally, clearing away dead leaves is vital, as they can harbor spores that may lead to fungal diseases in the spring.
One of the older methods for winter protection is the use of styrofoam cones. However, this technique has lost popularity due to several drawbacks.
The cones tend to retain moisture, leading to rotting, and they can heat up on sunny winter days, potentially causing the plant to break dormancy. Furthermore, these cones can be unsightly and may blow away if not secured properly.
More effective methods focus on insulating the plant and reducing temperature fluctuations to avoid freeze-thaw cycles. One recommended approach involves piling a well-drained material, such as compost, around the base of the rose to a depth of 30 centimetres or 12 inches.
Once the compost has frozen, a foot of leaves or straw can be added on top, held in place by a chicken wire cage.
If you want to use fungicide
Spraying the canes with a fungicide before covering them can help prevent rot.
Another excellent technique is the “Minnesota tip” method. This involves bending the plant into a trench beside it after tying the canes together with soft fabric. After applying fungicide, dig a trench deep enough to accommodate the plant and loosen the soil around the roots.
Carefully tip the plant into the trench, ensuring the crown remains free of soil. Once positioned, cover with soil and, once frozen, add another layer of leaves or straw for added protection.
For those seeking less maintenance, hardy shrub roses like the Canadian Artist Series, which includes the highly successful Campfire cultivar, provide a fantastic alternative that thrives without winter protection.