An important consideration when selecting trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials and other plants for the home landscape is cold hardiness. In most cases, plants adapted to Iowa's cold winter temperatures don't require winter protection. However, a few commonly grown landscape and garden plants, such as modern roses, strawberries and chrysanthemums, require winter protection to ensure their survival. Cold temperatures aren't the only potential threat to plants during the winter months.
Rabbits also can cause serious damage to trees, shrubs, roses and other plants.
Exposure to low temperatures and rapid temperature changes can severely injure and often kill unprotected roses. Hilling or mounding soil around the base of each plant is an excellent way to protect bush-type roses. Begin by removing fallen leaves and other debris from around each plant. Removing diseased plant debris helps reduce disease problems next season. Then loosely tie the canes together with twine to prevent the canes from being whipped by strong winds.