Winter Care of Roses in SOUTH CENTRAL Texas

Roses must be protected not only against low winter temperatures but also fluctuating ones. Occasionally rose varieties that are hardy in the North where temperatures are constantly low, are injured during the winter in areas further south where temperatures vary. As the first step in avoiding winter injury, keep your roses healthy during the growing season. Roses that have been sprayed and properly nourished are more likely to escape winter damage than plants that have lost their leaves due to diseases, insect damage or nutrient deficiencies.

December is the time to put manure or compost on the beds. With especially tall plants, cut off a foot or two to prevent canes whipping in the winter winds. if a freeze is forecast, water rose beds thoroughly the day before, as well as during dry and windy spells. Also, when new plants are set out (January and February) and new growth begins, protect if a freeze is forecast).

Areas with temperatures dropping to 0⁰F will need to have roses protected by an 8-inch mound of soil, coarse compost or other material at the base of the plant. In colder regions, the mound is progressively deeper (up to 12 inches in the northern plains), and then 8 to 10 inches of loose mulch such as pine needles, oak leaves, pine branches, or straw is added. It can be contained in wire or paper cylinders. Where temperatures go below -15⁰F for extended periods, use caps, cones, baskets, or other covers to completely enclose the plant.

Where temperatures go below -5⁰F, the large-flowered, repeat-blooming climbers should be mounded at the base and the canes enclosed in pine branches or detached from supports and laid on the ground, pegged to the soil, and covered with soil or mulch.