Fill your garden with sweet-smelling roses.
- Choose the right location: Roses need at least six hours of sunlight per day and good air circulation to thrive. So it is important to choose a location that gets plenty of sun. It should be an area with good drainage as roses don’t really enjoy having wet feet – who does? Also, the roses shouldn’t be too close to other plants. Make sure that they are not going to be overshadowed by large trees or in spots that are too shady. Also make sure that if you are planting a few roses that you are spacing them so they have room to grow. Refer to our rose garden planting guide and check if you need to make modifications.
- Digging the hole: Make sure that the hole which you dig is deep enough and wide enough so that the roots of the plant fit comfortably.
- Prepare the soil: Roses prefer fertile, well-draining soil. Alter the soil with materials like compost or well-rotted manure or peat moss. These additions should be well mixed with the soil which was removed from the hole. Any organic matter should work. This mixed soil should be added to the base of the hole before the rose is placed. This will improve soil quality and drainage.
- Plant at the right time: Plant roses in the spring or fall when the weather is cool and moist. Avoid planting during hot, dry periods. Bare-rooted roses are generally available at the start of Spring and this is when they should be planted. If the rose you purchase is in a container then you have more time before you plant it in the ground.
- Watering: Roses need consistent moisture to grow well, so you should water deeply once or twice a week during dry periods. You should make sure the soil stays moist, but it shouldn’t be waterlogged. Make sure that you give the plant a thorough watering when you first plant it in the ground. As mentioned, roses don’t like too much water. Once established I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how hardy roses can be.
- Fertilizing your roses: Fertilize your roses regularly during the growing season. There are many slow-release fertilizers available. These will promote strong and steady growth and this will help the root system to strengthen and develop. Slow-release fertilizers will also last quite well meaning that the plant will be gaining nutrients for quite some time. If you feel like your plant needs a quick hit of vitamins, then a slow-release fertilizer may not be your best option. The slow-release fertilizer may not be as effective if your soil is in top condition. Always follow the instructions on the package for the best results and speak to your local garden care expert for further advice. Be careful of overfertilizing when the rose is first planted. Give the rose time to establish and bloom before being too generous with fertilizers. This process is explored further in fertilizing your roses.
- Pruning your roses: Pruning is essential for maintaining healthy, vigorous roses. You will be amazed at how hard you can prune roses. You may fear going too harsh, but as mentioned they are really quite hardy plants. Often when we see the beautiful and delicate blooms which they produce we fear being too harsh with pruning, but once you see that new growth sprouting in Spring you will be glad that you pruned. You should prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or damaged wood and shaping the plant as needed.
- Control rose pests and diseases: A variety of pests and diseases can impact roses, so it is important to keep alert. Monitor your plants regularly and treat any problems promptly. As with anything, the sooner you detect any issues and deal with them the more likely your plant is to survive.
- Mulching your roses: Mulching helps to conserve moisture in the soil for your roses. A good mulch will help to suppress weeds. Another advantage is that mulch can help to regulate soil temperature. Mulch can take several forms. Learn more in our guide to mulching.
- Deadheading, or removing spent blooms: This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. You should do this throughout the growing season as it will keep your roses blooming for longer. It will also keep them looking neat, healthy and tidy. It is a simple way to keep your roses blooming for longer periods and a great time to check that no nasty pests have decided to call your roses home.
Personally, I have always been surprised by how hardy a rose can be. Once they are established, with a few simple actions from you, they will provide you with long-lasting beauty.