"Joe" wrote in message
news:aDFab.4360$8D4.2442@pd7tw1no...

"Tim Tompkins" wrote in message
...
You did not mention how they have been kept since your purchase.

I presume they have been in containers. If so the root system is
probably
wraping around the inside of the container and will most likely continue
to
grow in that pattern unless you 'stress' the root system to get it to
develop new roots. Before planting make 3 or 4 vertical cuts with a
utility
knife to sever the outer layer of the root system. This will encourage
the
root system to grow new roots in an outward pattern.

The roses should be buried with the crown 3" below the soil and heavily
mulched. Using a liquid root stimulator will promote root growth during
the
dormant period of winter.

Tim




Here in Zone 3A I have all the roses you mention. While I agree with the
mulching, pull it away in the spring to improve that all-important air
circulation.

Do you get snow? If you have access to clean snow, without road salt or
dessicants, use that. I do. Snow is really the best winter mulch you'll
ever find (as well as encouraging nitrogen absorption), and it's free!

Good point. Last winter we got virtually no snow, none before we had wicked
temps in -30 F range. I guess I will watch the temps and the snow and add
mulch if temps drop again with no snow.



The Therese Bugnet though you don't need to fuss with-it's the toughest
rose
in the universe. Mine is the only one of the bunch that gets no tip kill
at
all, leafs out the earliest, and flowers earliest.

Great! That is what I was looking for.


mm