Should you fertilize outdoor roses before first frost?

Answer 1

No, your plant is going into dormancy once the days get shorter and the nights get colder. Better to mulch about 3" of compost-then prune in December or early January. You don't want to fertilize because you don't want your plant expending energy for leaves and roots when this is its time of rest. Spring just as it starts budding is a great time-bone meal and rose foods are good.

Answer 2

Fertilize up to "6 weeks before the earliest frost date for your area" then stop fertilizing.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/ornamentals/roses/oldroses.html

About six weeks before the killing frost, or about 6 weeks before you induce dormancy if you live in warmer areas is the time that you should stop your application of summer fertilizers. You don't want your roses growing, blooming and in full production of new growth when the killing frosts of winter hit, or when you want them to shut down for a while. Heavy shocks to the system can set your roses back badly.
http://www.rose-roses.com/culture/fertilize.html

For non-hardy roses, "fertilizing should be discontinued by August first":
http://www.bachmans.com/gardening/gt_tipsheets/fall/rosecare.cfm

Good Luck! Hope this is helpful.

Answer 3

yes and make sure they have plently water and are prunned back and have muclh around the base