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.
