With the cool temperatures of winter, there are steps you can take to protect your roses.

According to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists, exposure to low temperatures and rapid temperature changes injures and often destroys unprotected roses. One way to protect them is by mounding soil around the base of each plant. Also, remove fallen leaves and other debris from around the plant. Loosely tie the canes together with twine to protect the plant from strong winds. They advise to build a chicken wire fence around the roses and then mound soil 10 to 12 inches high around the canes and finally, place additional material, such as straw or leaves, over the mound of soil after the ground freezes. Also, they state styrofoam rose cones often do not provide adequate protection.

In Iowa’s southern counties, mid- to late November is when you should prepare roses for winter, when the plant is dormant and has been exposed to two or three hard freezes.