How to Get Your Shrub Roses Ready for Winter in Wisconsin

How to Get Your Shrub Roses Ready for Winter In Wisconsin

by Lisa Rensberry, Christen Farm Nursery

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, it’s time to get your shrub roses ready for their winter nap! A little fall preparation goes a long way toward keeping your roses healthy and ready to bloom beautifully again next spring.

1. Wait for the Right Time

Timing is key. In Wisconsin, it’s best to wait until we’ve had a few hard frosts and your roses have started to go dormant—usually around mid to late November. Covering them too early can cause more harm than good.

Why wait? Because covering too soon can attract rodents looking for a cozy winter home, and they may feed on your roses all winter long. Early covering can also trap warmth, encouraging new growth that will be damaged when the real cold arrives.

2. Clean Up Around the Base

Remove any fallen leaves or debris from around your roses. This simple step helps prevent disease and fungus while giving you a clean surface for mulching.

3. Mulch for Protection

Once the ground starts to freeze, it’s time to mulch. Pile about 8–12 inches of mulch around the base of each rose. I like to see about a beach ball–sized mound of mulch surrounding the plant.

Use clean, disease-free materials such as shredded bark, disease free compost, leaves, or straw. This thick layer acts as a protective blanket, insulating the roots and shielding the crown from harsh winter temperature swings.

4. Avoid Pruning Too Early

Resist the urge to prune heavily in the fall—never remove more than one-third of the plant. Save major pruning for spring, once you see new growth emerging.

You can trim off any overly long or damaged canes now to prevent wind breakage, but heavy fall pruning increases the risk of winter dieback, which can kill down into the crown of the rose.

5. Add Extra Protection if Needed

If you have hybrid roses (Zone 5 varieties) or newer shrub roses, consider adding an extra layer of mulch and wrapping the plant with burlap or a “bush jacket” once winter sets in. This provides additional insulation against wind and freezing temperatures.

A Little Effort Goes a Long Way

With just a bit of attention this fall, your roses will rest comfortably through winter and reward you with strong, healthy growth next spring.