How to care for rosebushes

Whether you choose plants for appearance, sentimental reasons, or practical considerations, roses top the list as a perennial favorite (pun intended). If your rose bushes are already in place, you can follow some basic tips to keep them healthy and productive.

If you are buying rose bushes for the first time, take a look at their basic needs before making that purchase. Your selection should be a good fit for your setting. Keep reading for specifics on how to care for rose bushes.

Start with the essentials:

• Soil – select well drained area, with a pH of 6.5-6.8
• Irrigation – water thoroughly twice weekly
• Placement – give each bush adequate space
• Sun – allow six hours of sun, preferably in the morning
• Protection – protect from climate extremes

Selection

With the wide variety of roses available today, there is no excuse for not finding the color, size, and growing requirements to suit your fancy. Blooms range from miniatures of 2 – 2 ½ inches to tea roses and other large varieties of 4 or 5 inches.  Flowers may grow on bushes or shrubs, or you may prefer to display your blooms as climbers or ground cover. Colors may range from traditional rose and red to yellow, white, and even mauve, coral, or orange. But don’t look for black—it doesn’t exist.

Study the gardening catalogs and visit your local nursery to find the species suitable for your growing zone. Other things to keep in mind are soil composition, climate, and common pests and diseases in your area. Find your USDA hardiness zone compliments of the Arbor Day Foundation.

Making the right purchase

Choose plants that are about two years old. They should have buds, and preferably not be pruned. Plants should have at least three heavy 18-inch canes. Find potted plants rather than bare roots. Look for hardy varieties that are disease resistant and can tolerate less-than-perfect soil and sun conditions.

A number of solutions are recommended for improving the soil. Find out what local gardeners are doing. In western regions, for example, purchase plants that grow well in alkaline soils. Attend rose festivals and talk to the growers. One avid gardener swears by Epsom salts mixed into the soil around the plants.

Planting

Dig a hole at least six inches deeper than the root ball. Put small rocks in the bottom for drainage. Cover rocks with soil mixed with the fertilizer of your choice. Trim off any damaged roots. Avoid crowding the roots. Place plant in hole you have prepared. Cover gently with soil. Pack the soil as you do this step. Continue until you have reached ground level. You may want to add a mulch at this stage.

The Right Stuff

As with any new hobby, growing roses requires certain tools. Make sure your arsenal includes sharp pruning shears, trowel, spade, and sturdy gloves. (These beauties do have thorns.) You will also need fertilizer, mulch, and some form of pest and fungus control. You can opt for traditional chemical warfare, or you may prefer to choose more natural methods.

Go Green

If you prefer to stay away from chemicals in your garden, many environmentally-friendly options are available. You can mix up your own pest control or fertilizers from common household ingredients such as vinegar, ground chile peppers, and banana peels.

Care and Feeding

Once your plants are in place, you need to establish a routine for their maintenance. Watering is the most essential. Two thorough soakings per week are better than light daily watering. Avoid watering in the evening, as that may encourage the growth of fungus. Getting the foliage wet can also cause fungal diseases. Fertilize during the growing season. Use commercial brands or get creative with fish emulsion, compost, or the old standby—cow manure.

Begin feeding in the summer or your local growing season. When the first buds begin to appear, it is time to give them plant food. Surrounding weeds will also enjoy the meal. If you don’t weed them out they will compete with your roses for nutrition.

Pruning

When plants slow their growth, prune them back. You should cut back about one-third of the total plant. Remove any growth smaller around than your finger. Get rid of any weak or injured canes. Allow room between stems for air circulation. Cut off dead or diseased stems at ground level. Form a pleasing shape by trimming to a uniform height. To encourage additional growth, cut off the dying blooms. This is called deadheading.

Disease and Pests

Plants that are healthy tend to be more resistant to those pesky garden pests. But even the best gardener sometimes needs help. Roses can be plagued with mildew and blight. Insects such as aphids and red spiders can be troublesome. As is often the case, prevention is easier to handle than a cure. Dust or spray plants on a regular basis.

Seasonal Needs

For this task, your local nursery is your best source of information. Each region has its own particular needs. Ask about ideal times for pruning and fertilizing. Find out how to protect plants in extremes of climate. Plants in very dry climates may require an irrigation system. Applying a mulch of bark or similar material may cut down on evaporation so your plants require fewer waterings. In colder climates, a mulch can prevent freezing of roots.

Conclusion

Whatever your regional challenges, once you learn how to care for rose bushes, you can enjoy the fragrance and endless display of color in your own back yard.