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There are two main reasons we should winterize our rose plants.

1) We are protecting the plant from dying
2) We are protecting the canes from damage.

Here are some tips for winterizing your favorite rose plants:

First, you must steer clear of fertilizing during the winter because if you try to encourage new growth in the winter it will only make your roses more accessible to dying from freezer burn.

Second, you should stay away from the white plastic cones when doing your winter protection because they shut in too much heat during the winter thaw.

To winterize your rose bushes you will need to start by cutting your bushes back. Most will recommend 3 feet up from the ground. Small limbs should be removed, leaving 3-5 of the most vigorous canes. All remaining leaves need to be removed. After doing this you need to bring in extra soil or you can use mulch such as; wood chips, sawdust, shredded hardwood, or pine bark, instead of the soil, this should be mounded 15 to 18 inches high. This will provide the extra heat needed in the winter without over heating your plant later in the season.

To winterize your climbers, remove them from the lattes or what ever their support may be. Dig a trench on one side of the plant. Loosen the soil around the plant and tip it into the trench and cover them with the soil from the trench. If this is not possible, gather the tips together, tie them, and wrap in straw. The base should be covered with at least 10 inches of soil.

If you live in an extremely cold climate you may want to think about planting some of these breeds of roses, which are very hardy when it comes to harsh winters. These are just a few:

' Rugosas
' Griffith Buck
' Modern Roses
' Centrifolias
' Species Roses
' Gallica
' Alba
' Shrub Roses

Remember do not winterize until the ground is frozen or you have had at least two good freezes.