This classic velvet red rose with the look and aroma of a teen 1960's crush didn't make it overwinter in 5a 2021. This is not too surprising, since it is zoned 6a, but my juvenile efforts to protect it caused a painful death in the spring. It handled the winter well in the cold greenhouse - the main function of which ended up being wind protection and dessication protection. Once spring thaws and freezes commenced, it died piece by piece - sometimes "bleeding" a dark fluid. The guilt!!!! I vowed not to plant the rose again until I knew what to do to protect it. Next spring, I'll buy another (maybe Weeks) rose and in the fall will cover w hoop and burlap and mound mulch around on the outside of the burlap leaving the top open with just the burlap cover. I'll plant it on a south facing, wind protected, well mulched area. I'll let you know how it went.
Remind myself Don Juan is called a climber and is on my wishlist but probably won't climb here so grow as regular hybrid tea or use on small supporting structure. It's a hybrid tea.
