Roses

[Herbgardener]

:rose

I live in zone 5. We have planted countless rose plants and they always die in the winter. Do we need to mulch them or something?

Thanks.

 

[Chickie'sMomaInNH]

i'm in zone 5 as well but i've had the best luck with naturalized roses or ones i found growing wild in areas. never had much luck with tea roses here so i do not buy them anymore.

i do want to get some of the old shrub roses and some antique climbers since they seem hardier to our location.

what type of roses were the ones you had planted last year? mulching them may be a good idea to keep them going long enough to get them established. i do know that roses will like some water laced with Epsom salt once in awhile. i do that about once a year to mine.

 

[Rosalind]

What kind of roses? There are many that are hardy to zone 5, but also many that are not. The garden centers, regardless of their location, often seem to carry the type that are normally found in florists' shops, as opposed to the kind that laugh at April snowstorms.

It is possible to prepare some of the more delicate roses for harsh winters, but be warned, this is how roses get a reputation for being difficult (on top of the Japanese beetle infestations): In late fall after the frosts have set in for real and temps hover around freezing, cut the rose back to about 10-12" canes, being sure not to cut back below the graft. For this reason, own root roses are usually better for northerly climes. Next, pack a bunch of straw around the canes so that they are thoroughly insulated. Finally, wrap the whole thing in two layers of burlap and tie securely with twine. If possible, rake leaves up over the thing. In early spring, just as you're starting to get daily highs above freezing on a regular basis, gradually unwrap the rose, week by week--one week, rake off the leaves, next week untie the burlap, week after that gently pull off most of the straw, etc.

It's a lot easier to buy winter hardy roses though. I know youse will get tired of hearing me say this, but rugosas are pretty much the easiest roses ever on the face of the earth--look nice, smell fabulous, beautiful orange hips in winter, no fuss, just stick 'em in the ground and watch them grow.

 

[Lavender2]

I agree Roselind ... I love my rugosa and I don't think I could kill it if I tried ...

One important note for zone 4/5... be sure to plant roses by mid June so they establish well enough to be ready for winter.

If I had to settle on just one rose, it would be 'Bonica' ... a very hardy shrub rose. It's pink, lightly scented, and mine blooms from late Spring until Fall. I have had mine for over 15 years, never covered (except for snow) and no disease problems.

I planted 2 Knockouts, single peach and double red. They did great last year, very little die back this Spring, but I will see how they do for me this year before I rave and recommend ... :rose

I love roses! ... but not enough to be out there in October tucking them in ...

 

[Herbgardener]

That's great. Thanks every one! The roses i have planted are just ones from the store. And what is rugosa?

Thanks again!

 

[ducks4you]

What kind of roses? There are many that are hardy to zone 5, but also many that are not. The garden centers, regardless of their location, often seem to carry the type that are normally found in florists' shops, as opposed to the kind that laugh at April snowstorms.

THAT makes sense!!!! oh, well, isn't the definition of insanity: to do (plant) the same thing over and over again and expect a Different result?!?!?!?!
Guess they make a killing on those of us who don't know any better.

 

[Lavender2]

That's great. Thanks every one! The roses i have planted are just ones from the store. And what is rugosa?

Thanks again!

Rugosa roses are very very hardy shrub roses, zone 3.
There are many different types, with very different attributes ... I think it's best to do some research on a variety, if one interests you.

Here's a couple of good links that explain more about them ...

Rugosa

Heirloom roses

Oh, and they are VERY spiny ... I have a pink one (not sure what kind, I inherited it), and want a yellow one ...