As winter settles in, it's important to think about how to care for your roses during the colder months. While roses are hardy plants, they will perform better with a little extra attention, helping them to flourish when spring arrives. Roses should be pruned in winter, ideally in January or February, when the plant is most dormant, but there are other steps you can take now to ensure your roses remain healthy and strong throughout the chillier months.

One of the best ways to protect your roses during winter is by applying a thick layer of mulch (around 5-10 cm) around the base of the plant, covering the circumference of the root space. Mulch helps insulate the roots, preventing them from freezing during extreme cold spells. It also helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. You can use garden compost, well-rotted manure, or soil improver.

During the winter months, roses generally need very little water. In fact, unless the weather has been unusually dry or you’re experiencing a mild spell where the ground hasn’t frozen, it’s best not to water your roses at all. Excess water can lead to root rot, especially when temperatures drop, and the soil becomes colder and slower to drain. If you do need to water, make sure to do so in the morning so the soil has time to absorb it before nightfall.

During the winter months, roses enter a period of dormancy, and fertilising them is unnecessary. In fact, feeding your roses during this time can encourage unwanted growth, making them more susceptible to frost damage. Save fertilising for March, just before the plants start their new growth cycle.

Even though winter is a time of dormancy, it’s still important to keep an eye on your roses for signs of pests or diseases. Fungal infections like black spot or powdery mildew can overwinter on leaves and stems, so it’s important to remove any affected plant material before the weather becomes too cold.

If you have roses in pots, they will benefit from extra care in winter. Roses in containers are more vulnerable to freezing because the roots are exposed to the cold. To protect your potted roses, move them to a sheltered spot, such as against a wall or under the eaves of a building, where they will be shielded from wind and extreme temperatures.

If moving them isn’t an option, insulate the pots by wrapping them in bubble wrap, burlap, or even old blankets. You can also raise the pot off the ground using pot feet or bricks to prevent the base from freezing.