Question on winter protection for roses.

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sm4657 Marshalltown, IA(Zone 5a) Oct 15, 2011

This is my first year with roses. I have two Knock out rose shrubs and one John David climbing rose.

After our first hard frost, should I mulch the rose bottoms with compost? Or should I use plain mulch?

Should I wait and cut back the Knock Outs in the spring or do it after our first hard frost?

And the climber, John Davis.....same question....should I mulch the roots with compost, or black dirt, or plain mulch?

Thanks for any and all info....

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altagardener Calgary, AB(Zone 3b) Oct 15, 2011

Rosa 'John Davis' shouldn't need any winter protection at all. It was developed in a much colder climate than yours, and comes through winters here without protection. 'Knockout' roses are much tenderer than the Canadian-bred rose varieties, though.

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flowAjen central, NJ(Zone 6b) Oct 16, 2011

Prune in spring

I use a leaf mulch

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sm4657 Marshalltown, IA(Zone 5a) Oct 17, 2011


thanks guys..... here in zone 5, it is getting chilly at night (around 35-40) and the trees are dropping their leaves....so we will have plenty of mulch!

We also have a lot of pine needles.....would that be good too?

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flowAjen central, NJ(Zone 6b) Oct 17, 2011

Pine needles would be great for roses, also any other acid loving plant like rhodies or azaleas

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sm4657 Marshalltown, IA(Zone 5a) Oct 18, 2011

Thanks! Will go out and rake up some pine needles! We have a bunch!

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Carolyn22 Athens, PA Oct 18, 2011

I am not a rose expert, but I do make sure the bud union is covered with soil for the winter. In our zones, winters can be tough on roses.

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