Rose Care
• Roses require at least 6 hours of full sun a day (preferably in the morning), a well-drained and nutrient-rich soil, and moderate amounts of water.
• Water at root zone, not to the leaf surface. Adequate sunlight and water applied to the roots only will help decrease the spread and incidence of fungal diseases.
Pruning Tips
• Annual pruning of roses is a must, especially in early winter. Prune with the understanding that opening the center of the plant or shrub will allow for better light penetration and air circulation.
• Allowing more light and air into the center of the plant will create an environment that is less favorable to the development of fungal diseases.
Rose Management
• Eliminating dead, dying and diseased plants and plant parts from your garden will help keep it healthy.
• This includes cleaning up potentially diseased rose leaves that have fallen from the plant.
• Fungal spores on fallen leaves can invite diseases in the plant.
Fertilizer
• Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer or top dress with mustard cake and bone meals (2-1-1-0.5) for the first application to jump-start leaf development, along with epsom salts to encourage new cane development and lusher growth.
• Add a slow-release fertilizer (DAP) when shoots are 4 to 5 inches long.
Fertilizer
• Compost promotes overall plant health, helping roses to be more resilient to pests and diseases. Mix intothe soil at planting time, or apply a 1- to 2-inch layer each winter around the base of established rose plants.
• Manure can be worked into the soil at the time of planting or mulch established rose plants with a one-inch layer in winter. Make sure manure is well-aged so it doesn’t burn plants. Compost teas also work well.
• Bone meal can be applied in winter for a slow-release effect through the growing season and again in fall to promote root growth and next year’s flowers.
• Cottonseed meal boosts overall plant health. Apply once or twice a year for a slow-release effect throughout the growing season. Since it is somewhat acidic, soil pH may need to be adjusted with lime or other alkaline sources.
• Kelp meal or seaweed extract promotes root development and boosts immunity to pests and diseases and can be part of a regular fertilizing program throughout the growing season.
• Fish fertilizer can be used as an all-purpose fertilizer and promotes lush growth. To use as the primary fertilizer, apply every 3 weeks during the growing season; often used in combination with kelp.
