How should I overwinter a rose growing in a pot?

Question:

How should I overwinter a rose growing in a pot?

Answer:

A rose growing in a pot may be destroyed if the potted rose is left on a deck or patio over winter.  Potting soil temperatures in containers left above ground are likely to get extremely cold, damaging or destroying the roots of the rose. 

To protect a potted rose, dig a hole in the ground in a sheltered location.  Set the pot in the ground and then place soil around the pot.  Place additional soil over the rose covering the bottom 6 to 8 inches of the rose canes. 

Potted miniature roses can also be brought indoors before a hard freeze in fall and placed in a south or west-facing window and maintained as a houseplant. 

Learn more about growing roses in this article: Growing Roses in Iowa.