How do you prepare roses for winter in Colorado?

According to the Denver Rose Society publication “Growing Roses in Colorado,” there are five basic steps to remember.

1. FIRST – Pick up and discard all the leaves that have fallen from the rose bushes.
2. SECOND – You can stop deadheading your roses at this point.
3. THIRD – Water your roses well before the ground freezes.

How do you prune roses for winter in Colorado?

Remove dead or diseased canes first, and then focus on shape. Always make a 30 to 45-degree cut one-quarter-inch above a live bud with the bud eye pointing outward from the plant. Prune the cane back one-half-inch into green live wood. In severe winters, there may be only a few inches of green on the canes.

How do you take care of roses in Colorado?

All types of roses need at least one inch of water per week during active growth. Fertilize roses with an all-purpose fertilizer, such as 8-10-8, every four to six weeks during the growing season. Discontinue fertilizing on August 15 to prevent late succulent growth prior to the first frost.

When should roses be pruned in Colorado?

Late April into May is the ideal time to prune back roses. If they’re pruned too early in spring, the tender new foliage may be frost nipped — and that sends your rosebush back to square one for the season. In higher elevations, you should wait a few more weeks. That said, do prune.

What to do with roses in the winter?

Prune back canes to 30-36 inches. Don’t do your major pruning at this time, just prune enough to prevent breakage in strong winter winds. Also remove (and do not compost) any diseased or dead branches. If you have to make any major cuts, seal them with wax or white wood glue. Tie the tips of long canes together, to prevent breakage in the wind.

Are there any drawbacks to winterizing Roses?

Winterizing structures have their drawbacks. To begin with, rodents find the insides of these structures quite cozy, and they may decide to spend the winter hibernating and feasting on your tender rose shoots. Also, if winter temperatures fluctuate wildly, the insides of the structures can heat up, become humid, and breed fungus and disease.

When to put fertilizer on roses for winter?

Some gardeners like to apply a winterizing (non-nitrogen) fertilizer in late fall. Remove all fallen leaves and debris from within and around the plant. Prune back canes to 30-36 inches. Don’t do your major pruning at this time, just prune enough to prevent breakage in strong winter winds.

When is the best time to prune Roses in Colorado?

Winter takes its toll on Colorado roses. The canes die back, leaving dead growth to prune in the spring. Untimely pruning can leave roses vulnerable to killing frosts. Wait until two weeks before the last average hard frost to prune.