Protecting Roses from Winter Temperatures and Wind

When I lived in CT, I would place tall stakes around the plants and then wrap burlap around the stakes. You can also add leaves inside of the burlap cage you make. Be sure to Water the plants well before putting them to bed for the winter. Up north it is the wind (not the cold) that does most damage to the plants. They transpire and loose moisture and are easily wind burned. Jeannette (W. Palm Beach, FL)

The best thing would be to go buy a rose cone from a nursery. You can also try wrapping it with burlap and stakes. the rose cone is preferred for your climate, and also make sure to remove any dead leaves from trees and the rose plant as they will cause mold and other mildews to grow and then you might have another problem on your hands come spring.

After the first frost, mound about 6 inches of mulch around the base, then put up stakes around the area and put up burlap to make a wind screen. Not to tight, as you want air to circulate, but that will help. Don't cut back roses now, as the canes won't be able to heal and you could be letting disease in. If you have long canes, wrap them in burlap--it's hard with the thorns, but it does work.