Care of Hardy Shrub Roses (Spring Message)
There are two types of roses grown in Minnesota, hardy roses and
non-hardy modern roses. Hardy roses are also sometimes referred to as shrub,
landscape, or old-fashioned. Hybrid tea, floribunda, grandiflora, and tree
roses are all non-hardy roses. To be classified as a hardy shrub rose, the
plant must be able to reliably survive the Winter without any special protection.
Depending on the severity of the Winter and the specific variety of shrub
rose, Winter damage might be as minimal as a few dead tips on branches or
as severe as the canes dying back to the ground.
All roses should be grown where they will receive full sun. Planting them where they will receive good air circulation, too, will help avoid disease problems. As a group, hardy shrub roses are more disease resistant than non-hardy roses. Some specific varieties are more resistant than others. All roses are susceptible to the same insect pests. Keep the roses well watered and fertilize monthly in May, June, and July, with a rose food or a garden fertilizer, such as Bachman's 10-20-10.
The first Winter after they are planted, hardy shrub roses should be mulched heavily with leaves just before it snows. After they are well established, mulching with leaves is optional. They do not require the extra protection of rose cones or tipping and will not need to be pruned until Spring. After the snow melts, look at the canes to determine how much Winter damage they have sustained. Damage should be pruned out before new growth begins to emerge. Even if the rose dies back to the ground, it should grow back bigger and better during the Spring and early Summer.
For further information, read online our care sheet on "Hardy Roses", "Hybrid Roses", "Rose Insects and Diseases", "Winterizing Roses in Minnesota", and "Minnesota Tip Method for Roses".
Revised: 03/10/98
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