How2Day: Woods Roses in Winter

Promote healthy growth by preparing the roses for the winter season. David De Lossy/Photodisc/Getty Images
Woods' rose is a sub-shrub variety featuring blooms throughout the summer. When properly cared for, Woods' roses have a long lifespan, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Woods' rose and other roses require winterizing and proper care throughout the winter season to survive. Proper winterizing also promotes the optimum growth from one growing season to the next.

In most areas, roses should be cut back after the first freeze of the winter season, but before the soil completely freezes, according to Ohio State University. With a sharp, sanitized pair of pruning shears, cut canes back to a height between 30 to 36 inches. Tie the canes together with twine after pruning. This helps reduce damage and breakage because of exposure to strong winter winds.

After trimming the roses, some rose gardeners place a wire, mesh cage around the plants for protection from winter winds and foraging animals. Any type of wire mesh can be used to create a cylindrical cage around the bushes. Rose gardeners may also use premade rose cages or cones available at garden supply stores and nurseries. Insulate the interior of the cage by lining with hay or leaves. When using rose cones, poke some 1-inch-wide holes in the top for air circulation. Large, well-established Woods' roses may be too large for a rose cage.

Mulching roses for the winter helps insulate the soil, keeping temperatures warmer. Mulched soil is less likely to freeze than unmulched soil. For rose gardeners using rose cages, fill the cage with mulch, creating a mound around the bush about 15 to 18 inches high. When winterizing Woods' roses without the use a cage, mound soil and mulch about 15 to 18 inches high around the base of each bush. Cover the mound with a piece of burlap fabric and secure with twine.

In some areas, such as Minnesota, harsh winters contribute to the death of even the most hardy roses. In areas with harsh winter conditions, some rose gardeners uproot and bury roses. Dig a trench deep enough to cover the roses. Uproot the roses and place them sideways in the trench. Fill the trench in with a combination of mulch and soil to keep the roses protected over the winter.

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