While January may seem a quiet month for gardeners, the recent snowfall across Britain poses an immediate and serious threat to one of the nation's favourite flowers: the rose. These delicate plants are highly sensitive to cold, and exposure to snow and frost can cause rapid and lasting damage.
The Hidden Dangers of Winter for Roses
Roses are notoriously vulnerable to damp and freezing conditions. Frozen buds become brittle and can split open, destroying the potential for spring blooms. The problem extends below the soil, where wildly fluctuating temperatures cause roots to repeatedly freeze and thaw. This cycle leads to a dangerous build-up of moisture around the root system, which can rot the roots and create persistent fungal issues that plague flower beds for seasons to come.
The Expert Solution: Rose Cones
Fortunately, safeguarding your roses is straightforward. Jennifer Arnott, gardening expert and founder of The Fabulous Garden, advocates for the use of protective rose cones or rose huts. These dome-shaped covers, typically made from styrofoam or similar materials, act as a shield against snow, frost, and biting winds.
"Some people winterise their roses by just mounding soil around and over them. This works to a certain extent, but a better way is to use what are called rose cones," Jennifer explained. The cones are available in various sizes and work by trapping a pocket of slightly warmer air around the plant, preventing buds and roots from icing over.
How to Properly Fit a Rose Cone
Fitting a rose cone correctly is a simple process, but a few key steps ensure maximum protection. First, if your rose bush has any dead or damaged branches, you can trim these away to help the cone fit. However, avoid heavy pruning in January, as this harsh month can expose fresh cuts to frost damage. If healthy branches are in the way, gently bend them back or tie the plant together with string for a neater shape.
Next, place the cone over the rose and pack it with soil. It is crucial that the soil is not frozen solid. If necessary, thaw some soil indoors for a few hours. Fill the cone as close to the brim as possible with plain soil. Jennifer warns against using lighter materials like leaves, straw, or mulch: "You might be tempted... but if you do you run the risk of mice and other small critters crawling in there to stay warm and cosy, and snacking on your rose canes."
Taking these simple measures will effectively insulate your roses through the coldest weeks, ensuring they emerge in spring healthy and full of buds ready to burst into flower.
