How to Prepare Your Roses for Winter

Midwest winters can be harsh, but they don’t have to be a death sentence for your beautiful roses. Here are steps you can take to make sure they survive the season and come back better than ever.

• Give it a Rest – Stop feeding and pruning your roses around the end of August to discourage new growth, extra vulnerable to winter damage, from forming. Leave the last of the season’s flowers on the stem and allow them to turn into hips. By allowing these seed pods to form, you trick the bush into thinking it’s done for the season so it will begin to go dormant.
• Water for Winter – After the first frost, thoroughly water the soil around your bushes, penetrating several inches deep. This will help it ensure that it has the water it needs during the winter months.
• Keep it Clean – Make sure to clean up and remove any fallen leaves to prevent diseases and insects that result from overwintering near your vulnerable plants.
• Prune for Spring – Prune back your shrub roses to about one-third of their current size once late winter comes. This hard pruning prepares the plant to send out fresh shoots when the weather warms.

With some winter TLC, spring will be coming up roses. Stop by your local Joe’s Market Basket for everything you need to keep your lawn looking good year-round.