Roses are one of the most beautiful and fragrant flowers that you can plant in your garden. The beautiful flowers grow in many different colors, ranging from white through yellows and reds. There are over a hundred species and thousands of cultivars. They form a group of plants that can be erect shrubs, climbing or trailing with stems that often have sharp thorns. These gorgeous flowers don’t actually require a lot of care. They can be easily planted in containers or in the ground.
Choosing the right Rose:
Start with healthy plants. Look for glossy foliage and evenly moist root ball. Choose varieties that are disease resistant and suited to your particular climate. Visit nurseries and ask local gardeners to learn about different roses, their growing habits and requirements.
Planting Roses:
Roses need full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Sunlight encourages bloom and discourages disease. Roses require good drainage. Give your roses plenty of room to grow so that they won’t be crowded. Good air circulation is important in preventing disease.
- Planting in Containers: To plant roses in containers, choose the variety that doesn’t grow more than 4 feet tall. Choose a container at least 20’’ deep and wide. Use a premium commercial potting soil. You may also want to add compost or high quality rose planting mix. Water well after planting.
- Planting in the Ground: Dig a hole that is bigger than the plant and will comfortably hold the roots of the plant. If you’re planting more than one rose, then you should make sure they have planted at least 2-3 feet apart, so their roots have room to grow. Roots need to reach out laterally as far as possible in order to take advantage of water and nutrients. Place the rose plant in the hole such that the roots should be covered, but the stem should be out of the ground. Fill in the soil you removed and gently tamp it down. Water thoroughly.
Caring for your Roses:
The amount of water your rose plant will need depends on the climate, type of soil and the type of rose. Waterlogged soil will kill roses, and drought conditions can stress plants, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. Rose prefers slightly acidic soil that is not high in salt. Use slow-release fertilizers to release nutrients slowly over a long period, preventing spurts of succulent growth which attract aphids and diseases. Mulching with organic materials, like compost and shredded leaves, helps to conserve moisture, control weeds, improve soil structure, and keep roots cool in summer heat. Mulch can also prevent the spread of diseases like a black spot by keeping disease spores from splashing up onto the plant from the soil. Use 2 – 4 inches of mulch around each plant to control the moisture and it also helps to lock in the vital nutrients your roses need. Careful pruning can keep roses healthy and help to prevent disease and pest problems. Pruning allows you to remove dead, spindly or diseased plant material; helps to shape plants and promote flowering and new growth. It also provides good air circulation to discourage diseases.
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