2. Stop Fertilizing Before Frost

In warmer climates, roses benefit from fertilization during late summer and early fall, but timing is everything.

Avoid applying fertilizer within six weeks of your area's average first frost date. Check the Almanac for the first predicted frost date in your area.

Late-season fertilizing encourages tender new growth that is especially vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Instead, you want your roses to direct their energy toward strengthening their roots before dormancy.

While standard-ratio N-P-K fertilizers are not a great choice due to their high Nitrogen content, which promotes cane and foliage growth, and Phosphorus, which promotes blooming, a gentle fertilizer with a Potassium (K) ratio could help your roses through the winter. A couple of weeks before you expect a freeze, apply MicroLife Super Seaweed 0-0-0.03 or even Mycorrhizal Plus to encourage root growth and overall plant resilience.

3. To Prune or Not to Prune

Mild Winters (Zones 7-11)

For those in mild winters, you may have pruned for your fall flush around Labor Day, but it's best to avoid any pruning or deadheading within six weeks of your first expected frost. Wait until the spring.

Moderate-Harsh Winters (Zones 4-6)

After the first hard frost, it's common practice in colder climates to cut roses back to around 2' in height, especially making sure there aren't any canes that could be whipped around in the wind. Strip any leaves off the plant after cutting it back.

Depending on how harsh your winters are, you may only need to do this for less cold-hardy roses, like Teas, Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, and Grandifloras. Check your rose's cold hardiness (usually determined by zone range) to know just how much protection they'll need.

For climbers, you'll likely want to lay the canes on the ground, so prune only enough to make this a possibility.

4. Protect Roses During Freezing Weather

Mild Winters (Zones 7-11)

You likely don't need to protect your rose during the first freeze, as it's usually pretty mild and short-lived in this climate. If you're expecting temperatures to be in the 20s for more than 24 hours, it may be a good idea to cover, especially if you have new roses, Teas, Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, or Grandifloras.

To cover your roses, you can use:

• Old sheets
• Blankets
• Frost cloth
• Burlap
• Commercial landscape fabric
• Rose cones

Be sure to remove coverings as soon as temperatures warm above freezing. Leaving plants covered too long can trap excess moisture and reduce airflow.

Moderate-Harsh Winters (Zones 4-6)

Provide protection whenever harsh freezes, prolonged cold spells, or winter storms are expected.

To cover your roses, you can use:

• Old sheets
• Blankets
• Frost cloth
• Burlap
• Commercial landscape fabric
• Rose cones

Be sure to remove coverings as soon as temperatures warm above freezing. Leaving plants covered too long can trap excess moisture and reduce airflow.

Climbing rose canes may need to be pulled down and tied together to lay on the ground. Cover with your material of choice, then cover with soil/mulch to insulate (if extra protection is required).

5. Continue Watering Throughout Winter Unless Ground is Frozen

One of the biggest misconceptions about winter rose care is that roses no longer need water. Even while dormant, rose roots continue to require moisture.

Continue watering deeply whenever the top four inches of soil become dry, provided the ground is not frozen or covered in snow. For established roses, this means watering approximately every two to three weeks during cold months, when water does not evaporate from the soil so quickly. Keep in mind that rainfall and local weather conditions will vary.

It's also beneficial to water thoroughly just before an expected frost.

Moist soil actually retains heat better than dry soil, helping insulate the roots against sudden temperature drops.

See more on properly watering your roses here.

6. Give Roses Plenty of Winter Sunshine

Although roses may be resting during winter, they still benefit from plenty of sunlight.

Whenever possible, ensure your roses receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Proper sunlight helps keep foliage dry, supports healthy dormancy, and gives plants a stronger start once spring growth begins.

Container Roses

For the most part, follow all the above advice. Container roses need mulching too! 

We do not recommend bringing your roses into a heated area; however, they can be moved to sheltered and insulated spaces such as greenhouses, garages, or sheds. While a window isn't 100% necessary if they've gone into dormancy, it is ideal.

Rather than moving your roses, you can give them extra protection by wrapping their pots with your material of choice, along with the rose itself, of course.

Winter Rose Care Checklist:

Before winter arrives, make sure you've completed these essential tasks:

✔ Apply fresh mulch around each rose.

✔ Mound extra mulch before severe freezes.

✔ Stop fertilizing and deadheading six weeks before your first frost.

✔ Avoid heavy pruning before winter (if applicable).

✔ Cover roses during severe freezes.

✔ Water deeply before the first frost.

✔ Continue watering every 2–3 weeks if the soil becomes dry.

✔ Remove winter coverings promptly after freezing weather passes.

✔ Ensure your roses receive at least six hours of sunlight daily.

Conclusion

We hope that with this guide, you will feel more comfortable about winterizing your roses.

If you have any other questions regarding seasonal preparation, please see our other blogs or reach out to us at gardenquestions@weareroses.com.