Rather than placing a winter covering over the bud union, currrent practice is to plant the bud union about 2 inches deep in the first place. If you didn't do this, and you don't want to replant, you can probably add a couple of inches of mulch anytime from now 'til December.

I've tried various methods of winterizing roses and, for the most part, I don't believe any are worth the effort in my zone. You might find the linked article on winterizing roses, by by Fr. Deganhardt, interesting reading. If you do decide to add winter protection, give your roses a chance to acclimate to cold temperatures before you take any action at all. If your coldest temps will be in the single digits, chances are your roses will survive winter mostly unscathed and any serious damage will likely come in late winter or early spring when warm spells are interrupted by sudden cold. In any case, there's no need to place a bucket over your roses in 40 degree, or even thirty degree, weather.

Here is a link that might be useful: Fr. Deganhardt's Article

Thanks Mike. I guess I'll go remove the buckets! I did bury the graft union when I planted Cherish, don't know how deep it is now that soil's compacted a bit with watering, etc. I may mulch some, but looks like the canes don't need protecting. What about the miniature (Kordana)? Should I dig that up and move it inside? We just "rescued" another one from the grocery store yesterday, told my 5-yr old she could keep it in her room over the winter (4" pot).

Sheila

Sheila, most miniatures are more cold-hardy than Hybrid Teas or Floribundas. I would think this would be especially likely with a Kordes miniature. If you want to increase the life expectancy of the grocery store mini inside, you'll almost surely need to provide artificial lighting. A cheap and simple way to do this is with a compact spiral fluorescent bulb in a cheap, circular reading lamp. Place the bulb just a few inches above the plant and keep it going about 14 hours a day. Indoor roses usually die in a few weeks or so, from what appears to be all sorts of reasons but the actual cause is just plain insufficient light.

Thanks Mike - so should I leave Kordana outside? Shelter it in the garage? What about the Parade I told dd she could keep in her room? She has a west window, I've got it right in front of the window. I can't leave her light on 14 hrs/day LOL.