Reply #3: Rose care

[InkAddict]

Remove spent roses just above a five-leaf stem as suggested; clipping the stem at an angle, neither too close nor too far from the junction, will support the new growth. Put a dab of Elmer's glue on larger canes that you clip so borer insects cannot chew into freshly cut canes. Fertilize at mid season, but do not fertilize after mid season as this will promote growth that will not make it through winter. In late autumn do not collect flowers for vase as this will force growth which will be killed at frost; you may elect to allow flowers to form hips. Prune no more than one-third the heighth of a stem at a time. On dormancy, canes can be cut lower if you wish, leaving stem buds above the crown to a height of up to about 2 ft. Winterize by heaping dirt or clean mulch about crown; leaves are not suggested as they promote rotting and molds. Nurseries also sell covers of up to about 24 inches in height that will protect the canes from drying winds and deepest cold which may not be a problem in your area. Carefully remove these covers and the additional dirt early spring as the weather warms above frost and give a helping of fertilizer to promote new growth and first flush of blooms.

http://www.allaboutrosegardening.com/Winterizing-Roses.html