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Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about garden plants. You will find concise information on general gardening techniques as well as plant selection and care. For detailed information on specific plant pests and problems refer to our Common Garden Pests and Problems page.

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Horticulture Questions and Answers

Home  >  Roses  >  Selection, Culture and Care  >  When can I uncover my roses in the spring?

When can I uncover my roses in the spring?

The best time to uncover roses depends a great deal on the weather and the type of winter protection used. If rose cones have been used, it is important to remove them on warm sunny days in late winter and early spring to prevent heat build up inside the cone. Keep them near by though as you may have to but them back on if freezing temperatures return at night or during a cold snap.

If you have used mulch over the soil mound, remove the mulch in stages beginning when temperatures hover at or above freezing and before new growth begins. Removing the mulch in stages allows the plants to gradually adjust to an unprotected environment, and if there is a late killing frost, there will still be some protection around the plant base. Keep the mulch near by if needed.

After cones and mulch are removed and about the time of the last killing frost you should begin to gradually remove the soil that was mounded around the plant. Again remove it in stages over 2 to 3 weeks. If freezing temperatures threaten use the reserved mulch to cover the plants until warm temperatures return.

Roses benefit by having a winter mulch but remember mulching too early in the fall, or keeping the mulch on too late in the spring can also cause damage.