Question
I live in zone 5. I bought a rose tree last summer, and it did wonderfully well. I brought it in for the winter, and I think it is dying. I had a bout with spider mites, and I got rid of them and pruned it down. Then it started coming back, but just last week all the leaves shriveled up and died. What gives? How can I revive it? Should I leave it outside for the winter? Thank you for your help.

Answer
In regards to tree roses, it all depends where you garden. If you get a very cold winter, then I would place the tree in an unheated garage for the winter. But if your winter is fairly warm, then it can stay planted outside. It does sound like your rose is dead but to make sure, try scarping a little off the bark right down close to where the top meets the long tall stem. If it is green then cut right back to the green colour. If it is brown on the inside then the winter has killed it. Tree roses are not easy roses to grow so don't blame yourself.