A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2004 Wintering Roses planted in containers

Most of my roses are planted in 1/2 wiskey barrels and other large containers. For the winter should I cover them or insulate the containers with straw or sometining else? So far the autumn in Montana has been mild , but who knows what our winter is going to be like.

I've been to Montana. No offense, but--autumn???Wasn't that like the 2nd week of September? (JK)

yes you need to mulch them babies& can wrap bubble wrap aound the containers and blankets and have in sheltered area.set a board under the whiskey barell so don't break your barrel like i did and can move with dolly so don't over work your self.aren't you expecting snow?
I'd wait till spring to trim roses.that way winter die back only gets tips.your winters are hard on them roses .ground freezes,then thaws the freezes heaves roses out of soil.stuff that whole barrel with straw/mulch.glad i'm Z 8b.my roses bloom till dec& wake back up in feb.they take a nap.lol
Good luck& stay warm

Thanks for the input! We got our first real snow last night- 2 inches, but most of it melted off while I was at work today. The temps are still staying right around 30 degrees at night, so I will get them mulched and wrapped ASAP.