roses overwintered in basement

15 years ago

I had to put about 10 potted mini roses in my cold, dark garage this year as I never got them inground. And I didn't have the space to try them as "houseplants". Surprisingly, they've thrived, on next to no water and little light. I know they are perennials, I'm thinking a month ahead. Have I "damaged" them by keeping them in basement (they were left outside until early Dec)? By that, I mean must I wait until all threat of frost is over before removing them? If I put them outside when it's a bit warmer, with frosts/cold, will that kill them? Please let me know. Thank you!

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Comments (3)

kentstar
15 years ago
I think as long as it is at freezing 32 or above you should be ok to let them out. Where in zone 6 are you? You may want to post this in the roses forum where I know there are very knowledgable folk there. Karl is the one you want to speak to. I put mine in my unheated shed for the winter. They have tons of green cane on them. But I'm waiting to keep them out for good cause it's still below freezing here and in fact tonight is supposed to be in the teens! Take them out on days that are above freezing and bring back in the garage at nights that are below freezing. You should be able to keep them out soon like when the forsythia begin to bloom.
phil_schorr
15 years ago
I think that's right. I wouldn't be in a hurry to leave them outside yet. There can still be hard freezes. If you want to put them out to start getting them acclimated, you probably would be best to start them out in a shady spot so they don't get burned by the sun. Bring them back in whenever it is going to be cold to near freezing outside. After the threat of a hard frost is over you can start leaving them out, but move them slowly from shade to a spot with partial sun to, finally, full sun to give them time to acclimate. Then they should do well for you this summer and from here on. Best of luck.
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greyandamy
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks so much guys!!!! I'm not in a hurry to leave them out yet. The weather this year has been beyond crazy. They are starting to get acclimated, and are fine (lots of rains coming). THANKS for advice of bringing in when temps get near 32, that will be one night this week. THANKS SO MUCH!

Funny, they were mini's, 2 years ago. Now they are the size of patio roses, strange how fast they grow. I have your weather, Kenstar. I'm near Pittsburgh, PA.... zone 6.

I don't know if I'll have ROOM in the garden for them (the ground) with enough air circulation, I hate to keep them in pots forever (upsizing as needed)... but whatever. They were kept in basement, then COLD sunporch where they would freeze solid, but not have the overhead precip to get on their leaves. Thus they kept their foliage throughout.

Forsythia's are now beginning to bloom, though I still won't trust this weather...

Oh, I've always wondered... what's a "HARD FROST" as compared to a frost?

Amy