Rose Garden Secrets

Site Selection

• A site with an eastern exposure that receives morning sun is ideal for roses. However, any spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day will work. Plant roses away from shrubs and trees, and provide good air circulation to prevent diseases. Lay 2 to 4 inches of compost, manure, peat moss or leaf mold on the soil. Add 3 lbs. of superphosphate fertilizer to the soil to encourage root growth, and till the soil to a depth of 12 inches. Plant bare-root roses in early spring before new growth emerges. Plant container plants anytime between late spring and fall, although spring is the preferred time, so plants become established before summer heat and winter freezes.

Plant Selection

• When selecting plants, consider how you want to use the roses. Hybrid tea roses make lovely floral arrangements, but the plants are tall and gangling, making them somewhat unattractive landscape plants. Floribunda, shrub roses and climbing roses have prolific blooms and a growth habit that makes them suitable for mixed beds. Consider your climate, as well. Hybrid tea roses and tree roses are less winter hardy than shrub roses or species roses. They also need more care to prevent disease and pest invasions. Plant several types of roses for cut flowers, as well as fragrant landscape plants.

General Care

• Fertilize roses with a rose fertilizer according to package directions after the first leaves appear, and every three to four weeks during the growing season. Reduce the amount of fertilizer applied in late July and August, and cease fertilizer applications altogether six weeks before the first expected frost. Water roses deeply at least weekly, or as needed to keep the soil evenly moist. Roses do not tolerate drought conditions. Prune roses in late winter to remove winter-killed growth and any canes that are diseased or dead, or are rubbing against each other. Shrub and species roses need less pruning than hybrid tea roses. Mound soil around rose canes after the first heavy frost to protect the plants from winter cold. Gradually remove the soil in spring as the leaves emerge. Mulch the soil with 3 inches of wood chips to conserve moisture and keep weeds down.

Pests and Disease

• Several insect pests and diseases plague roses, but you can minimize problems through good care. Select disease-resistant roses adapted to your climate. Space them at least 2 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety to provide adequate air circulation. Water roses in the morning and use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep the leaves dry. Wet leaves spread disease. Treat black leaf spot and powdery mildew with a fungicide. Remove infected canes and leaves from rose plants and destroy them. Dip pruning shears in a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water in between cuts to avoid spreading disease. Spray roses with a stream of water to remove aphids and leafsuckers, or use an insecticidal soap. Hand pick Japanese beetles and drop them in soapy water.