Ways to Cover Climbing Roses

Winter weather is a triple threat to climbing roses. The temperatures change rapidly, extreme cold and ice, as well as harsh winds, can all harm the valuable rose. Protecting them from temperature fluctuations so that they do not alternate between thawing and freezing will help them survive the winter. It is also important that the wind is not allowed to catch the branches and possibly wrench the whole plant from the ground.

Winter Temperatures above 20 Degrees F

In areas of the country that don't experience temperatures below 20 degrees F, protecting the repeat blooming climbing rose from drying winds is the main reason for covering them. The canes should be removed from the support and laid on the ground. Tie the stems together and wrap them in straw.

Winter Temperatures between Zero and 20 Degrees F

When winter temperatures drop to zero degrees for longer than two weeks, extra care must be given to protect the repeat blooming climbing rose from the harsh temperatures. Lay the canes on the ground, and use wooden or wire hoops to peg them to the soil. Cover the canes with 4 to 6 inches of mulch. Cover the base of the plants with up to 10 inches of the mulch. Lay chicken wire or netting over the covered roses to keep the mulch in place.

Winter Temperatures below Zero Degrees F

When the winter temperatures drop below zero degrees, protect the canes of the repeat blooming climbing roses by laying them on the ground and covering them with 4 to 6 inches of well drained soil or compost. Protect the base of the climbing rose with 10 extra inches of soil.

Roses that Bloom on New Wood

Some climbing roses bloom on year old wood, and bloom on new growth the following year. To cover the climbing roses like Alberic Barbier, May Queen and Silver Moon, prune the roses to the ground in the fall. They can then be covered like other rosebushes to survive the winter. A peach basket, tar paper wrapping or a purchased rose cone or cap will fit over the plant. Cover the base of the rose bush with up to 10 inches of mulch. In the spring, new shoots will emerge and bloom.