I have more roses in pots than in the ground, and both types need attention to get ready for the Reno winter weather. Here’s a guide for caring for both in-ground and potted roses as we head into the colder months.
In-Ground Rose Care
Winterizing your roses that are planted in the ground doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it’s more like preparing them for a restful winter so they can come back strong in the spring. If you’re enjoying the last blooms of the season, now’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to give them the care they need to survive the winter.
Let Nature Take Its Course
Stop feeding your roses in late summer to help them enter dormancy. Just like we need to slow down sometimes, they do too. Cutting off fertilizer lets them prepare for their winter rest.
Give Them a Good Drink
Before the ground freezes, give your roses a deep watering. Moist soil retains warmth better than dry soil, so think of it as a warm drink before bedtime. This helps keep their roots cozy as they head into dormancy.
Light Pruning: Just a Little Trim
Think of this as giving your roses a light haircut—nothing too drastic. You don’t want to prune heavily in the fall, as this could stimulate new growth, which won’t survive the cold. Instead, just trim off dead or damaged canes and slightly reduce the height to prevent breakage from wind or snow.
Snuggle Them Up with Mulch
After the ground has frozen, mound some soil or compost around the base of each plant, about 8-12 inches high. Then, add a layer of mulch, straw, or pine needles to act like a warm blanket for their roots. This helps protect them from the freezing and thawing cycles that can stress them out.
Extra Protection (If Needed)
In very cold regions, you might want to go the extra mile by covering your roses with burlap or rose cones. Think of this as giving them a windbreaker for those bitter gusts. Just make sure there’s enough air circulation under the cover to prevent moisture buildup.
Keep an Eye on Them
Winter can be long, so check on your roses occasionally. Make sure the mulch is still in place and that the soil hasn’t dried out completely—though you don’t want to water them much during this time.
Spring Wake-Up Call
When winter is over, gradually remove the mulch and any coverings as the days warm up. Give your roses time to adjust to the changing conditions, and they’ll reward you with beautiful, healthy blooms.
Potted Rose Care
Roses in pots are a bit more vulnerable to the elements since their roots are above ground. To ensure your potted roses come back healthy in the spring, you’ll need to take a few extra steps to protect them from the cold.
Find a Sheltered Spot
Start by moving your potted roses to a place where they’ll be protected from harsh winter conditions. An unheated garage, shed, or basement is ideal since it’s cool enough to allow dormancy but not cold enough to freeze the roots.
- Indoor Storage:
- If you have an unheated garage or basement, this is your best option. It shields
- the plants from frost while keeping them cool.
- Outdoor Storage: No indoor space? Place your pots in a sheltered area, like along the side of the house or in a corner where they’re protected from wind and frost. Group the pots together to help insulate them.
Wrap Them Up
Pots need insulation to protect the roots from freezing. It’s like giving them a winter coat!
- Wrap the Pots: Use bubble wrap, burlap, or old blankets to wrap the sides of the pots. This helps prevent freezing and thawing cycles, which can damage the roots.
- Mulch or Bury: You can also bury the pots in the ground or place them in a larger container filled with mulch or leaves for extra insulation.
Water with Care
During dormancy, your roses need much less water. Overwatering in winter can lead to root rot, especially in pots where drainage might be limited.
- Water Sparingly: Keep the soil slightly moist. If your pots are stored indoors, check them periodically, as the dry air in garages or basements can cause the soil to dry out. But don’t overdo it—just enough to keep the roots happy.
Light Pruning
A little light pruning will help keep your potted roses manageable and reduce the risk of disease.
- Remove Dead Canes: Trim away any dead or diseased canes before storing the roses for winter. This helps prevent mold and mildew.
- Save Heavy Pruning for Spring: Avoid heavy pruning until spring when the roses are ready to grow again.
Add a Mulch Layer
Once the pots are insulated and the roses are pruned, add a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant to keep the roots warm.
Check in Throughout the Winter
Monitor your potted roses periodically to make sure the soil isn’t too dry. If you notice any signs of mold or mildew, increase air circulation or adjust your watering routine.
Spring Wake-Up
As the weather warms up and the frost threat passes, gradually reintroduce your potted roses to the outdoors. Start by placing them in a shaded spot, then slowly expose them to more sunlight.
By following these simple steps, you can help both your in-ground and potted roses survive the winter and come back healthy and vibrant in the spring. Both types of roses will be ready to thrive and bloom beautifully when the warmer weather returns!
