Roses are beloved in gardens across the UK, admired for their timeless beauty and variety. To ensure your roses flourish with abundant blooms next spring, it’s vital to provide them with the right care during the winter months.

Roses in Winter: What to Expect

As winter arrives, roses enter dormancy. This natural rest period helps them conserve energy for the next growing season. During this time, you’ll notice leaves and flowers dropping. Rest assured—this is normal. Hardy roses can withstand UK winters, even with frost, as long as temperatures don’t fall below -10°C.

Potted roses, however, are more vulnerable to the cold. Move them to a sheltered spot, ideally sunny and protected from harsh winds, to prevent root damage.

Winter Rose Care Tips

1. Mulch for Warmth
Protect your roses from the first frost by mulching the soil around the base of the plant. Use dry leaves, bark chips, or well-rotted compost to create a thick layer. This insulation keeps the roots warm and reduces moisture loss.

2. Pruning and Maintenance

  • Late Autumn Pruning: Trim overly long stems to prevent breakage from snow or wind. This also encourages the development of new buds in spring.
  • Remove Wilted Flowers and Leaves: Cut back any dead flowers and clear away damaged or diseased leaves to prevent pests and diseases from taking hold.

3. Fungal Prevention
Before winter sets in fully, treat your roses with a copper-based fungicide to prevent mould and diseases as the weather warms up in spring. Apply the solution by spraying it onto the foliage and stems after pruning.

4. Fertilizing for Strength
Feed your roses in November or December with a balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium. This boosts the plant's reserves, ensuring strong growth and vibrant flowers come spring. Work the fertilizer into the soil and water it in well.

5. Watering
Winter watering should be minimal but consistent. Roses require enough moisture to keep the soil slightly damp—typically about once a month during colder months. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Choosing New Roses

Winter is also a great time to plant bare-root roses, which establish quickly when planted during dormancy. If you’re investing in new varieties, consider roses from renowned breeders like David Austin or Meilland. These “author roses” are cultivated for their unique colour, fragrance, and form, though they often come at a higher price due to licensing costs.

With these simple care steps, your roses will be well-prepared to deliver a dazzling display in the spring and summer months. Whether in beds, borders, or containers, a little winter care goes a long way toward keeping your garden beautiful year-round.