I have four tree roses that have developed woody areas at the top. Instead of green shoots and leaves, I get thick woody areas that don’t produce leaves or roses. This appears to happen after wintering-over. I bury the tree roses in my vegetable garden over the winter. Can this problem be fixed? avoided? I have tried pruning back the woody stumps but green shoots do not emerge. Three of the tree rose now have essentially one branch that grows and blooms now. The only one that looks good was planted in the spring. They are all Beautiful Dreamer.
Hi Penelope, Welcome! Tree roses that must be buried for winter protection have been known to get cane dieback from the heroic measures necessary to keep them alive during below zero temps. I think the multiple grafts are not as vigorous as we would like. (My experience with this comes from Minnesota). When I did this, they only lasted about three years. Sad for such a big investment. My friend Diane Sommers in Wisconsin keeps hers in a heated garage. They keep many canes that way according to photos I have seen. Look for her post under a topic tree roses.
Thank you very much. I was puzzled and dismayed when it happened before. I do have a sunny basement when it stays above freezing. How warm is too warm for tree roses for a heated space in winter?
Thanks again,
My estimate would be above freezing to 40*. I have not done this type of winter protection. You do not want them to grow, but rather slow down for winter. I do know that yellow roses tend to be more tender than others. Ask local CR’s if they grow them.