Rose trees???

[goofy4tink]

I'm in central Mass...really cold in the winter. I've seen more and more of these rose trees in my area. They stand about 5' high, in nice big decorative pots. Obviously they have been trained and pruned to achieve this effect. I would love to have one on my deck this summer but I'm not sure what to do with it when it gets colder. Does it come inside the house? Does it winter over in the garage?? I would rather not treat it as an annual. Any thoughts?

 

[PrincessMommyof2]

You should be able to weather it fine in your garage. Or under a patio/porch covering.

 

[goofy4tink]

Thank-you.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Some will plant the rose, and as winter approaches, untie it from its support and TIP it over, then cover it over with leaves and burlap. Seems like a lot of bother to me, though...I'd try the unheated garage or enclosed porch.

 

[bianca]

I have one that has been in the same spot for 4 years now. It is in great condition and as long as you do a couple of things, it will survive the cold winter (I live in Michigan, so we know all about cold). The first thing to know about these rose trees is that there are 2 separate grafts (instead of 1 like a normal rose bush). If you think of the rose tree as 2 different bushes in 1, it is easier. I winterize the bottom bud union or lower 12 inches of the tree by mulching. For the top graft (where all the flowers are), I wrap burlap around it and stuff as much straw in there as possible. So far, this method has worked and my rose tree looks great! Good luck!

 

[DebºoºS]

So far, this method has worked and my rose tree looks great!

Great tips, thanks That's encouraging. Do you keep it in the garage or sheltered area outside? I've always wanted to try it but all that tipping over and mulching they describe in the books looked like it wouldn't work for me. I do have a sheltered area outside or I could bring it into the garage or little house(shed).