Viewer Question: I went out to see how my roses came through the winter and I noticed these black canes! What is going on here and what should I do?
THE ANSWER
What you’re observing is typical freeze damage often seen in cold weather climates. In fact, considering the minimal dieback and abundance of healthy green growth, it appears that your rose has weathered the winter quite successfully. The remedy is straightforward: when pruning your roses, ensure to trim into the green portion of the cane above a bud eye, while staying well below any blackened areas. If the center of the freshly cut cane isn’t white, continue cutting lower until you reach healthy tissue.
You can prevent this type of cane die back by providing protection from extreme cold, wind, or frost by covering your roses with burlap or frost cloth during periods of inclement weather. Avoid planting roses in areas prone to strong winds or low-lying frost pockets.
