How to Prepare Roses for Winter in Georgina
Winter north of Highway #7 (north of Markham, Toronto, etc.) can be a rough ride for roses. These beauties may look tough, but come winter, they’ll need a little TLC to make it through the chilly months here on the shores of Lake Simcoe. Let's dive into why protecting your roses is essential, when to start, and some easy steps you can follow to give them the best chance to bloom again come spring!
Why You Need to Protect Your Roses Over Winter
While roses are hardy plants, they’re not invincible, especially against Lake Simcoe's cold snaps, frosts, and the dreaded freeze-thaw cycles. Here’s why protecting them is essential:
- 1. Preventing Winter Damage: Extreme cold and fluctuating temperatures can damage rose canes, leading to dieback and affecting the overall health of the plant.
- Protecting Roots: Roses need insulation to protect their roots from freezing, which can cause severe damage or even kill the plant.
- Encouraging Healthy Growth in Spring: Winterizing your roses ensures they have the best possible conditions to rebound with lush growth and stunning blooms once the weather warms up.
When to Start Winterizing Your Roses
Timing is everything when it comes to winterizing roses. Begin your prep after the first few frosts, which is typically in late October to early November for Georgina. This timing allows the roses to enter dormancy naturally. If you start too early, your roses may not fully harden off, leaving them more vulnerable to cold damage. If you wait too long, they could be caught in a freeze without protection.
Steps to Prepare Your Roses for Winter
Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty! Here are the steps to protect your roses from the cold:
Stop Fertilizing and Pruning by Late Summer
- Around mid-August, stop feeding your roses and avoid any heavy pruning. This step encourages the plant to harden off instead of focusing on tender new growth, which is vulnerable to frost damage.
Remove Dead or Damaged Canes
- As frost approaches, trim off any dead or damaged canes. Leave the main structural canes, but cut back to a manageable height (around 12–18 inches). This reduces the chances of breakage from heavy snow and ice.
Clean Up Around the Base
- Clear away any fallen leaves, spent flowers, and debris around the base of your rose plant. This debris can harbour pests and diseases over winter, so a clean-up is essential for a healthy start in spring.
Mound Up the Soil
- Mound soil or compost around the base of the rose plant, covering the bottom 8–12 inches of the canes. This creates insulation for the lower parts of the rose, where it matters most.
Add Mulch or Leaves
- Once you’ve mounded the soil, add a layer of mulch or dry leaves on top. This extra insulation helps retain warmth and moisture in the root zone while protecting the soil mound from washing away.
Wrap the Canes (for Extra Protection)
- For added protection, especially for more delicate rose varieties, consider wrapping the canes with burlap. Wrap loosely, and if possible, use a rose cone for extreme cold conditions or exposure. Leave a bit of ventilation space to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause mould.
Water Well Before the Ground Freezes
- Just before the ground freezes, give your roses a deep watering. Well-hydrated roots are less susceptible to winter damage. Avoid watering afterwards, as it could encourage freezing around the root ball.
A Few Final Tips for Winter Rose Care
- Check for Moisture During Thaws: When you get a mid-winter thaw, check that the soil around your roses isn’t too dry. But remember, avoid overwatering.
- Consider Covering with Rose Cones or Burlap: Rose cones or burlap wraps can be added in late fall. However, don’t cover too early to avoid trapping warmth inside, which can cause your roses to come out of dormancy.
So, there you have it, winterizing your roses isn’t complicated—it’s a simple, but very rewarding process. With the right steps, your roses will survive winter and spring back to life, ready to impress with their blooms next season!
Happy gardening!