Roses are naturally tolerant and healthy and will cope with wintry weather without fuss, but they can do better if winterised.
Winterising is a process by which gardeners shield their plants from the harsh and detrimental elements of winter.
It means ensuring your roses can withstand the stresses of rushing winds, cold temperatures, and dormancy.
In these temperatures, covering, wrapping or mounding (also known as hilling) your roses may be necessary.
Covering roses often refers to adding a layer of protective mulch, such as potting soil, rotted compost, or pine bark, up to 12 inches above the top of the soil, over the base of the plant.
However, gardeners may have a lot of fallen leaves and not know what to do with them. This natural item can be used as mulch.
Unsure whether leaves can be used on roses, one gardening enthusiast took to the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page to ask for advice.
Kathryn Julie Laylock wrote: “Can you put fallen leaves as mulch for roses at all to protect them?”
Lynn Peacock said: “Yes you can, they will rot down over winter and help keep the plant hydrated.”
Fiona white commented: “Yes and I put cones on top and it looks great. They don’t blow away like that.
“Been using the same cones for four years now. Just rake them over, add leaves and put them back on top.
“Great mulch, soil enricher and good for lots of plants. The worms drag some leaves down into the soil. Also helps keep insects alive over winter.”
Sandra Jones said: “I use all my leaves as mulch and have done for years with no trouble. My roses and camellias flower bigger than ever once summer rolls around.”
Mark Mouland wrote: “Yes they make a great free mulch, the worms will love them too. Too many people think they just make a mess and just take them to the tip or even burn them.”
Janet Crookes replied: “Fallen leaves are the food I put on my garden and all my flowers love them. After all, it is the only food the forest trees get.”
So, how do you mulch roses? Firstly, before mulching, feed your roses and water the surrounding soil, which should be clear of old leaves and weeds.
Apply a one to two-inch layer of your chosen mulch around the base of the rose, spreading it to the width of the rose canopy.
