The time to install the rose collars is on a pleasant day well in advance of the expected cold spells. When the cold hits, all you must do is fill the collars. Start by placing the rose collar over the base of the plant (You might need more than one to adequately protect the crown). 

Fill the collar with a coarse mulching material. The collar acts as a protective barrier to hold mulch and prevent it from blowing away.  Mulch is what protects the canes and crown of the rose. This will insulate the rose and help maintain a constant cold temperature.

Suitable options include peat moss, pine bark, shredded leaves, or straw. Maple leaves work particularly well because of the high sugar content in the leaves. Once worked into the soil in the spring, this will benefit the plant. Leaves like oak and cottonwood can also be used but are harder to break down. I recommend shredding all leaves and mixing them with potting soil. Heavy soil is not recommended because it compacts too much.

Remove the rose collars around the middle of March or the beginning of April. The mulch inside can then be worked into the soil around the rose to enrich the soil.

You can skip using rose collars by mounding soil around the base of the plant to a depth of 10-12 inches. But be aware that in Colorado the winds will blow away the mulch. The collars hold the mulch in place for when you need it the most, ensuring consistent protection throughout the winter.

Apart from rose collars, consider the following tips to ensure your roses thrive during the winter. Using an insecticide dust and dusting sulfur at the base of your roses before applying mulch to prevent overwintering bugs and fungus. If you are really a rose enthusiast and want to take the protection a step further, you can use an organic, non-toxic antidesiccant like Wilt-Pruf or Wilt-Stop. They act as a protective coating, holding in moisture on the plant’s stems, protecting the plant from dehydration in the winter.

Avoid pruning your roses in the fall. Wait until the middle or end of April to prune, even if the plant appears to be growing. Pruning too early can damage the emerging growth.

Winter protection for your roses is an investment in the future beauty of your garden. Rose collars, when used in conjunction with appropriate mulch and soil mounding, can make a significant difference in the survival and vigor of your roses during the winter months. 

By following these steps and taking the time to provide proper care, you can look forward to a lush and vibrant garden in the spring, avoiding the disappointment of having to replace expensive roses. Whether you choose maple leaves, oak leaves, or bark mulch, the key is to maintain a constant and protective environment for your cherished rose bushes.

The Rose's Winter Journey: Unveiling the Magic of Rose Collars - a beautiful story of Rosalind, a beautiful rosebush, and the gardener who cares for her.