Roses are the quintessential perennial shrub, admired globally for their stunning blooms. As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it's essential to remember that our plants, including roses, still need care and attention to thrive. Fall and winter present a crucial period for roses as they go dormant, providing the perfect environment for root growth and establishment. Proper attention during these months ensures that come spring and summer, you'll be rewarded with spectacular blooms. Whether you're looking to nurture roses in your garden or extend the life of cut roses indoors, knowing how to care for them during the colder months is key.

In collaboration with David Dyer, a flower expert at Eflorist, we explore six techniques for caring for your roses both outside and inside during fall and winter. This guidance will help you maintain their health and ensure stunning flowers year after year. One key aspect of outdoor rose care is watering. Dyer notes that while regular watering every few days is essential, in fall and winter, you can often extend this period due to increased rainfall. Checking soil moisture with your fingers can help determine when additional watering is necessary.

To maintain the health and appearance of your roses, deadheading is crucial. This process involves removing faded blooms to encourage new growth and improve the bush's shape. Dyer advises doing this from late spring to early fall. When deadheading, protect your hands with gloves and use clean pruning shears to prevent disease transmission. For the best results, cut about a quarter inch above the new leaf or bud. Pruning is another vital task best done in winter. It promotes strong growth for the coming year.

It's important to make clean, downward sloping cuts about a quarter inch above an outward-facing bud to achieve an open-centered shape. For spreading varieties, prune some stems to inward-facing buds to encourage upright growth. For cut roses, maintaining fresh water in the vase is critical. Changing the water every 2-3 days prevents bacterial growth, which can harm the flowers. Remove any submerged leaves that may rot and cloud the water.

Dyer suggests using household hacks like the sugar or bleach trick to extend the life of your roses. Adding two teaspoons of sugar to the vase water can provide essential nutrients, while a quarter teaspoon of bleach can kill bacteria. When implementing these hacks, precautions such as wearing gloves and adhering to recommended quantities are essential. By following these tips, you can keep both indoor and outdoor roses flourishing even through the coldest months.