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Date: May 1989
Source: NDSU T.A.P.E.
Here in North Dakota you must protect roses not only against low winter temperatures, but also against fluctuating temperatures.
The first step in avoiding winter injury is to keep your roses healthy during the growing season. Roses that have been fertilized and sprayed for insects and diseases are more likely to escape winter injury than plants that have lost their leaves early in the fall because of diseases or nutrient deficiencies.
After the first killing frost, while you can still easily work the soil, pile soil 8 to 10 inches high around the canes. It is best to bring in soil from another part of the garden for this. If you dig the soil from the rose beds you may injure the roots of the rose plants.
After mounding soil around the canes, tie all the canes together to keep the wind from blowing the canes about and loosening the root system.
When there is a light layer of frost in the ground, pile hay, straw, or other loose mulching material over the mounded canes for additional protection.
You can also use rose cones to protect roses over winter. If you use rose cones, be sure to secure them well. They are usually made of styrofoam or other light material, and the wind can easily blow them away. When you use cones, prune the rose canes only enough so the rose cones will fit over the top of the plant.
It is best to remove the top of the cone or punch holes in the side to provide air circulation. Without this, heat can build up within the cone, causing moisture problems and promoting early growth.
Many people cover the canes with cones only. You can give your roses more protection if you first mound soil over the crown of the plant and then place the rose cone on top.
For future reference, you may want to obtain a copy of Extension bulletin H-118, entitled "Roses for North Dakota", which is available free of charge at your local county extension office.
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