Chicago Botanic Garden

YOUR GARDEN — Plant Information

Frequently Asked Questions – "R"

 

Q. Do all rose bushes produce rose hips in the fall?

A. Some rose bushes produce hips (which are actually the fruit or ovary of the plant) after September 1, when all deadheading of roses should stop. Species roses and Rosa rugosa are known for their showy hip production, which extends well into winter and often provides food for birds and animals. Allowing the roses to "go to seed" and produce their hips is an important part of their preparation for dormancy. return to top

Q. When is the best time to winterize my roses?

A. Hybrid tea and English roses, like the David Austin roses, should be cut to knee height after several days with temperatures in the teens. Mound 12 inches of composted manure or lightweight garden soil around the base of each bush. Additional shredded leaves can be piled on over the canes and held in place by chicken-wire cages. If we have not had the required low temperatures by Thanksgiving, proceed with the winterizing anyway. Shrub roses can be pruned for shape but generally do not require any additional protection. Climbing roses are mounded as above, untied from their supports, retied in one place and wrapped with burlap. return to top