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Why do roses have so much trouble surviving here?
Dry Climate
Low humidity is a factor which makes many plants struggle to survive in Wyoming. Water in the air is necessary for plants
to regulate the rate at which they release moisture from the stomata on their leaves to the atmosphere. When humidity is low,
plants lose more water to the air, trying to maintain a certain moisture level on the skin of its surfaces and in the air
right around the plant. This normally helps prevent sun damage and wind burn.
Cold Conditions
You should understand that roses do need cold winter rest to perform well. When temperatures stay low for extended periods
of time, many processes in the plant and soil are restricted until the temperature goes up. Bacteria and fungus simply go
dormant in the soil when it is too cold. Plant growth is dependent on temperature as well.
Wind
Wind is perhaps the most debilitating force in our climate. In the natural course of things, air movement strengthens
plants by developing lignin cells in the stems and increasing resistance to support the plant. High winds will break off stems
and can flatten tall trees. Dry wind sucks moisture out of the leaves and canes of roses and stresses them further. Cold wind
causes the temperature to lower, which slows the processes for feeding the plant.
Short Season
By the time it gets warm in Wyoming; other places have already seen plants blooming. By the time roses have warmed up
and established enough leaf growth to begin flowering, the season is often half over and if the cold season comes early, a
gardener may get very few flowers. Single blooming plants are often your best bet for spectacular floral displays.
High Elevation
Thinner air for people also means thinner air for plants.
Late Spring Freezes
There is no time more dangerous for plants than in the warming cycle of spring when a hard freeze occurs.
Alkaline Soil
Many plants can tolerate alkaline soil; roses do not.
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