Although most shrub roses are hardy through Kansas winters, many hybrid teas and other modern varieties require protection. It is important to winterize roses AFTER several hard frosts have occurred, but BEFORE the ground freezes. Winterizing too early keeps the stems warm and moist which promotes. Winterizing too late risks damaging the sensitive graft union where the rootstalk attaches to the above ground growth.
Clean up plant debris in the area surrounding the roses to prevent diseases from
overwintering. Mound soil or compost eight to ten inches high around each rose plant.
Bring in new soil for this instead of displacing soil from the area around the roses to
avoid exposing and damaging the roots.
Once the ground has frozen, add a 4-inch layer of straw, leaves, wood chips or other
mulch over the mound and cover with a layer of soil to hold it in place. This will help
protect the plants from the cold but also prevent early budding during warm winter and
early spring days. As the mulch settles during winter you may need to add more.
Prune canes to 36-inches and remove weak or thin canes. Tie the remaining canes
together loosely to keep them secure during windy weather. If the canes are allowed to
whip in the wind it can cause damage to the crown and disturb the soil.
When the ground thaws in the spring remove the mulch and soil from the base of the
plant to return the soil level to normal.
