Question: We live in the northeast and could use some tips on caring for our roses in this colder climate. Maria, Worcester Massachusetts
Answer: Most home gardeners living in the latitude of northern Vermont do not expect to grow hybrid teas 5′ to 6′ feet tall.

In fact, the idea is abroad that in climates like ours, with frequent sub-zero temperatures in winter, it’s foolish to try hybrid teas.
An active rose society in Vermont was proof that good roses could be grown there.
However, our own success with a rather broad collection of the choicest varieties is more to the point.
Although timely feeding, spraying and watering directly relate to our success with roses, the winter protection we give our plants is of prime importance.
Unless the wood comes through the winter undamaged, good growth and blooms cannot be expected next spring.
The Perfect Winter Protection Method
Over the years, we have perfected a method of winter protection that has worked very well in our garden.
Here is what we do:
- About November 1, the rose bushes are pruned back roughly to about 3’ feet in height.
- Then, the canes of each plant are drawn together and tied with a soft, heavy cord.
- Care should be used not to break the canes or damage the bark.
- The ground around the plants is then cleaned, and all leaves and old summer mulch are destroyed.
- Following this, frames 18” inches high built of 6” inch matched lumber are placed around the beds.
- Topsoil taken out of the vegetable garden is used to fill in around and cover the plants as high as possible.
- The frames keep the soil from spilling over onto the lawn.
- Lastly, we place evergreen branches over the soil.
All of the above work is done as late as possible before the ground freezes and before any heavy or lasting snow.
Related: Tips on Caring Roses in Autumn
Spring Uncovering Measures
We usually start uncovering about the second week in April in the spring, but this depends upon the weather.
Follow these steps:
- Frames are removed first and then the soil gradually. Some of the soil may still be frozen, so it takes time.
- This soil that is removed is put back in the vegetable garden.
- Care must be taken not to cut or bark the canes.
- The soil is removed about an inch below the normal level, and compost is used to fill into the proper level.
- After growth starts, prune out all dead wood and weak, spindly growth, cutting back to possibly 2’ to 3’ feet.
- Prune back to an outside bud if possible.
- When the pruning is finished, we put a heavy dose of fertilizer around each plant in a circle and rake it in. We do not fertilize again until after the heavy June bloom and give another heavy dose. We have used several commercially prepared rose fertilizers brands and have found them all excellent.
- No feeding is done after August 1, as late feeding will promote soft growth, which has no chance to harden before winter, resulting in more winter kill.
- After the roses are fed the first time, we put on about a 3” inch mulch that remains on the beds all summer.
Spraying Schedule After Growth
Soon after growth commences, we start spraying once a week with an all-purpose spray.
We spray with malathion for rose midge two or three times a season.
A fungicide is applied at the first signs of any mildew in the early fall.
This spray is used several times in addition to the regular all-purpose spray.
Thorough Watering Of Roses During A Dry Spell
Watering roses is essential, especially during a dry spell.
We’ve found that a water wand answers the purpose better than any other method tried.
When watering, give all the plants a thorough soaking—flood the beds.
Never use any type of sprinkler that wets the leaves.
Rain will generally wash off the spray on rose leaves, which means another spraying is necessary in addition to the regular weekly spraying.
Thus, the rose season unfolds year after year, and never are we disappointed with the results.
There is a tremendous sense of satisfaction from growing roses so well that friends and strangers alike will travel many miles to be thrilled by their beauty.