Overwinter for potted knockout rose tree

I have a knockout rose tree In a large pot. I have read to bring it to my unheated garage once it has dropped all its leaves and goes dormant. It’s going to be below freezing in a couple of nights but it still has a lot of leaves. Will it be okay outside or should I bring it in?

1 Like

That would depend upon where you are as ‘winter’ can be totally different in different parts of the country. “Below freezing” is another rather ambiguous term. Yes, that means below 32 F but how much below and for how long? Knowing where you are so responders have an idea of how severe the conditions your potted standard will be expected to endure will definitely help get you appropriate, suitable suggestions. Good luck!

Thanks for the tips. I am in the Chicago area. Right now I’m talking about below freezing low temperatures during the night (maybe 4-6 hours) then warmer during the day. Once the high temperatures are below 32 I figured it needs to come in. But I need advice.

1 Like

You’re welcome. Thank you for explaining. I’ll let those experiencing similar “winter” to yours advise you. Here on the Southern California coast, “winter protection” means shortening growth to prevent wind rocking loosening the plants and keeping them watered if the rains don’t come.

Also very interested in a response from a zone 5ish rosarian. I’m in the Northwest Chicago suburbs and I panicked this morning when I saw my potted roses covered in snow. I brought them inside the garage but they have tons of of leaves (a few fading blooms even). They’re all first year roses.

I have similar concerns, I’m in NYC zone 7B . All of my roses are potted. It’s impossible for me to bring nine 20x20x20 and 24x24x24 pots into my apartment. I don’t know what to do and the rosarían who was going to guide me isn’t coming through. Please help, I’ve worked so hard and invested so much time and money. #SOS

The balcony you have your roses on appears to have power. One way to get sensitive plants through the winter is to wrap the stems in Christmas lights. The warmth from the bulbs may be enough to buy you another zone. Also you can wrap your pots in bubble wrap and gain a slight advantage. It will all depend on how severe your winter is.