Roses have a rep for being difficult, but they don’t have to be. If you start with the right roses and follow a few simple steps, your roses can look lush and bloom beautifully all summer.
The first step is selecting a rose cultivar that has a long bloom season. Mini-roses and Earth Kind roses (like Knock Out) are low-maintenance workhorses that can flower from late spring to fall. They are tolerant of disease, drought, cold, insects, and neglect. They can take a beating or even a mowing and keep on going.
But regardless of the rose, some cultural practices will improve its performance. All roses must have bright light, good drainage, and proper spacing. 6+ hours of sun a day is ideal. Root rot will kill roses in wet soil. Air circulation around the foliage will encourage healthy growth and limit fungal diseases. Don’t crowd ‘em.
Here are a few time saving, eco-friendly rose tips.
1. Mulch with compost to conserve water, suppress weeds, and supply nutrients.
2. Water deeply but infrequently. Roses don’t like soggy soil. Avoid getting water on the leaves, especially at night. This means limiting the use of overhead sprinklers in the rose garden.
3. Roses are hungry. Supplement compost with foliar feeding solutions to keep the blooms popping.
4. Monitor your roses during the season. Every few days take time to admire, smell, and cut some flowers. While you’re enjoying the beauty, check out the undersides of leaves and the tips of buds for pests/disease. Address problems quickly using sustainable techniques or OMRI listed products.
5. Prune often for cutflowers, plant health (dead, diseased, broken) and improved structure. Roses respond positively to pruning with flushes of new growth.
Roses really can provide you with stunning color and form all season long. To get the best results, start with the right rose for your conditions and commitment level. A good selection and some simple steps will have your garden coming up roses all summer.
Get Out & Grow
