How to plant and care for roses.
Nothing conjures up the perfect garden scene like a bed of beautiful roses. Novice and experienced gardeners know that growing roses can be more time consuming than other plants, but the rewards are well worth it.
The first thing you will need to decide when planning a rose garden is the type of roses that will thrive in your climate zone. Most any rose does well in southern climates when watered regularly and has adequate soil. In northern climates, a hardier breed of rose will not only ensure the longevity of your plant, but also save you time and effort in preparing the rose for cold winter months.
Before spring planting time, you will need to prepare a bed for you rose bush. As with many flowering plants, sun is one of the most important factors in planning your rose bed. Choosing a place where your roses will get eight hours of full sun daily is optimal. Turning the soil over where you will be planting at a depth of 1-2 feet is recommended. Add an organic fertilizer or material such as manure or peat moss and till thoroughly. This process will help your roses get the head start they need without the negative affects some chemical fertilizers can have on the tender roots of new plants.
Before you plant, many gardeners recommend cutting just the tips of the roots to help promote growth in your young plant. Make sure you dig a hole big enough to accommodate the entire root system of the rose, if in doubt make the hole wider. Build a small mound of soil in the center of the hole. This mound will be the platform your rose bush sits on with the roots spread around it. After you have planted the rose, make sure that the bud union or grafted union is at or just above ground level before filling the hole with soil, then water thoroughly. An additional layer of mulch can be beneficial at this stage, helping retain water and discourage weeds.
Roses love water, provided there is proper drainage so the roots aren't constantly sitting in a pool, you should water your plants 2-3 times a week during the warm months. When you water, soak the area around the rose bush well, as the root systems on mature plants can be extensive. Avoid using chemical fertilizers on newly planted roses, it is not recommended to fertilize until after the plant has established itself and new buds have formed. The type and amount of fertilizer you feed your rose bush is dependent on the soil in your area and the type of roses you will be growing. A local nursery in your area can be an invaluable source of information on how best to use chemical fertilizers where you are.
After a summer of blooming, autumn rears its head and it is time to start preparing your roses for winter. Good mulch at the base of your rose bush before the first hard frost is important if you live in colder climates. A mound of mulch 6-12 inches high is recommended for good protection. There are protective coverings that you can purchase that are made for wintering roses. They include Styrofoam, tarps and water-filled tubes among others. The amount of protection needed will vary with different types of roses and planting zones.
When spring comes, you will want to prune your rose bushes. This is an important part of the growth process as it gets rid of any dead wood and canes. Don't be shy with the shears, prune down to new and healthy growth. It may not look like much after you have pruned, but your rose bush will be healthier and provide more blooms year after year with a good spring pruning.
Roses are one of the most eye-catching flowers in a garden. From the romantic old English roses to the newer hybrid teas, roses are a beautiful and rewarding addition to any garden. With a little research and old-fashioned hard work, your rose garden will be a labor of love.
