Winter tips for your roses: this is how you ensure a healthy start to spring

Winter is a resting period for roses, but with a little attention, you can help your roses enter the new season strong and healthy. Whether you have yellow roses, David Austin roses, or climbing roses, these tips are suitable for all types!

1. Pruning? Wait until spring! Leave spent flowers and branches over the winter. They protect the plant from frost and provide natural insulation. The best time to prune is in March, as soon as there is no longer any risk of frost.

2. Protect the roots from frost. Cover the base of your roses with mulch, compost or leaves. This helps keep the soil warm and prevents damage from severe frost. This is especially true for varieties such as English roses, shrub roses or ever-flowering climbing roses.

3. Extra support for climbers. Climbing roses such as the 'New Dawn' or 'Zephirine Drouhin' can be damaged during winter storms. Check that they are securely tied to a pergola, fence, or climbing frame.

4. Provide water during dry winters. Roses in the ground need little water in winter, but during prolonged drought, you can give them a little bit occasionally. Potted roses, such as 'Koko Loko' or 'Boscobel', benefit more from this, especially if they are against a warm wall.

5. Pot roses? Keep them sheltered. You can protect roses in pots by placing them in a sheltered place, for example in a cold greenhouse or against a wall. Make sure excess water can drain to prevent root rot.