Uncovering Roses in Spring: Removing Winter Cover on Time
Uncovering roses in spring is the last step of their winter care. University of New Hampshire Extension notes the main goal of winter cover is to hold the crown plus lower canes uniformly cold, since damage comes from tissues freezing plus thawing again. Remove cover with that in mind.
The short answer
Uncovering roses means taking off the soil mounds, collars plus wraps used over winter. University of New Hampshire Extension notes cold damage comes from freezing plus thawing, so cover should come off once hard cold ends rather than during a warm spell. UNH notes tea roses get their heavier pruning in spring.
How do you remove each type of cover?
UNH describes three winter methods for hybrid tea plus floribunda roses. Each is removed in reverse order.
| Cover | How UNH puts it on | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Soil mound | 10 to 12 inches around the base | UNH |
| Collar | Filled with coarse mulch, burlap on top | UNH |
| Wrap | Evergreen boughs plus burlap, 6 to 8 inch mound | UNH |
| Buried climber | Canes pinned down plus covered with soil | UNH |
When should roses be pruned after uncovering?
UNH notes a good rule for tea roses is to cut less in fall plus more heavily in spring. NC State notes most roses need annual pruning in late winter.
How should pruning cuts be made?
UNH advises cuts 1/4 inch above an outward pointing bud so new growth heads the right way. UF IFAS advises cutting just above a dormant bud.
How to: step by step
- Wait until hard frosts have passed.
- Unwrap the burlap or boughs.
- Pull mulch off collars.
- Spread soil mounds away from the canes.
- Lift buried climbers plus tie them back to their support.
- Prune dead canes above an outward bud.
Troubleshooting
Canes black at the tips: prune back to live wood above a bud.
Mound soil was raked from the bed: UNH advises bringing in extra soil next winter.
Wet mulch packed around canes: pull it back plus let the base dry.
For more on spring care see fertilizer and compost for growing outdoors, fall garden cleanup after cannabis harvest plus frost damage on cannabis. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Winter care for roses, University of New Hampshire Extension
- Roses, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
- Rosa (rose), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Mulches for home gardens and plantings, University of Wisconsin Extension Horticulture
FAQ
Why does freeze plus thaw matter?
University of New Hampshire Extension notes cold damage to roses comes from plant tissues freezing plus thawing again. Winter cover holds the crown plus lower canes uniformly cold. Taking cover off during a brief warm spell can expose canes to this cycle, so wait until hard cold has passed.
How much should tea roses be pruned in spring?
University of New Hampshire Extension notes a good rule for tea roses is to cut less in fall plus more heavily in spring. Leaving 18 to 24 inches of cane under winter mulch means you can expect new growth in spring. Remove dead wood first, then shape the plant.
How are climbing roses uncovered?
University of New Hampshire Extension describes bending climbing canes to the ground in very cold areas, pinning them with crossed stakes plus mounding soil over the whole plant. In spring, pull the soil away, lift the canes plus tie them back to their support. Prune off any dead ends.
When do Florida roses get pruned?
UF IFAS Gardening Solutions notes a major pruning should be done once a year in January or February, though South Florida roses may need pruning twice a year. Remove dead or crossing branches plus shorten mature canes by one third to one half. Flowers follow in about eight to nine weeks.
Should rose leaves be cleared in spring?
University of New Hampshire Extension advises cleaning up plus disposing of fallen leaves plus diseased or damaged canes before winter cover goes on, to reduce disease carry over. When you uncover roses in spring, clear any leaves left under the mounds or collars for the same reason.
