Roses are the flowers of poetry; fragrant and lovely amidst the thorns that guard them. You can grow roses too, and there are many different varieties for gardeners of all experience levels.
There are many newer kinds of roses that are easy-to-care-for. Or you can pick some of the kinds that need pampering, but reward you with exquisite blossoms that are well worth the effort.
Seven Steps to Beautiful Roses
Don't Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
Pick the level of care you are willing to commit to. If you are willing to pamper, prune and spray your plants as needed, then choose the gorgeous Hybrid Teas and Grandifloras. They will reward you with prize-winning blooms.
If you are willing to give mid-level care, then the floribundas and climbers are great choices. If you want to plant them and give only minimal care, the Fairytale and Groundcover Roses are your best choices.
Position Them Well
Roses love sun, and they want good air movement around them. They should have well-drained soil amended with organic matter.
Prepare Your Soil With Loving Care
We recommend using 1-2-3 when you plant. That means dig a hole twice the size of the pot to break up the soil around the plant, then mix triple blend soil (peat, loam, and manure) with the existing soil in the hole, lastly, use transplant fertilizer to give the plant a great head start. Feeding your roses every 2 weeks until early fall will keep them gorgeous all season long.
Plant Them The Right Depth
This is where many people make a mistake. Roses should be planted deep (unlike most other plants that should be planted no deeper than the depth of the rootball).
With roses, the graft bud union (the swollen part at the base of the rose) should be planted 2 inches deeper than soil level. This will protect the rose from completely freezing out in severe winters.
Pruning is Good
Trim off spent blooms to the nearest 5 leaflets to encourage more flowers. Open up the rose bushes to allow air and light to penetrate to keep diseases under control. Remove long stems and dead wood. Of course, when you prune wear some thorn-proof gloves.
Protect in Winter
Trim back roses half way and cover the base with a cone of mulch or soil. Do this in late November after the plant has experienced several freezes.
Rely On the Advice of Your Consultants at The Country Basket Garden Centre
We are here to help; Joanne and Diana can answer the questions you have so that you can be successful with these intriguing plants.
We want to partner with you so that your plants continue to thrive throughout the years. Never hesitate to stop by for advice about any particular problem you may be experiencing. The advice is free and helpful in keeping your roses beautiful.
Growing Miniature Roses?
These little charmers are just as hardy as regular roses. They are easy to grow in the house or outside in a sunny spot, just like their bigger cousins. In the house, they prefer a sunny window.
For a wide selection of rose varieties, and for more tips and information about planting and growing happy, healthy roses, pay us a visit at the Country Basket Garden Centre today!
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