Grafted roses are particularly susceptible to winter injury. If the top part of the rose is lost to winter damage, we lose the rose we purchased. If covering roses is one chore too many, look for roses that are not grafted. Or select some of the super hardy roses such as those out of the Explorer or Parkland series bred in Canada. Winter protection is actually a year around activity.
Healthy roses are more able to survive cold.
Roses should be planted in well-drained sites with at least six hours of sunlight. Fertilize regularly and water roses during drought periods throughout the growing season. Also make sure roses go fully dormant. No fertilizer should be applied after August 15 so growth will slow. Stop deadheading or cutting flowers after September 1.