I confess. I fell into hopeful love at a big box hardware store with a beautiful little potted cherry Frost climber. I dream of a trellis with red blossoms on it. I live on a large lake in central Wisconsin, planting zones 4 to 5. Thing is, I don’t know where I could put him that would shelter him from the cold yet allow plenty of airflow and sun to fend off fungal infections. Plus do I really have to detach him and blanket him with mulch every winter? I’m a newbie to rose care but don’t want a “one summer” stand. If I buy or build an arbor, can it be near my mailbox where the county salts during icy spells? Any/all tips welcome. Thank you for coaching me.
This rose was bred in Wisconsin by Julie Overam and is rated to zone 3b. You should be good with some winter protection, especially since it will be a young rose. You can surround the bottom cane with burlap and stuff the inside with shredded leaves or a mulch. I adore this climber, it doesn’t even have a support and is growing next to my driveway. I’m in zone 8a, so I don’t have to protect it.
Keep it away from winter salt, that will damage the rose.