Beginning gardeners often balk at growing roses, thinking them too delicate or finicky. In reality, there are few tricks to growing roses, and just about anyone can do it. By following a few simple maintenance guidelines, you can add healthy, beautiful roses to your garden landscape.
Fertilizing Roses
Feed your roses fertilizer in the spring, when the buds are just beginning to swell. Most garden centers carry fertilizers specifically formulated for roses.
Mulching Roses
It's a good idea to spread mulch around the base of your rose bushes and vines. In summer, the mulch keeps too much water from evaporating. In winter, mulch insulates the roses' roots, helping protect them from the effects of freezing and thawing.
When to Prune
Prune your roses in early spring, before the flowering season begins. Remove all dead wood and any canes that seem too weak or thin.
Trimming Canes
To trim back a rose cane, use pruning shears to cut the cane at a 45-degree angle. If trimming off an entire cane, cut the cane flush at its base. Don't leave a stub of cane, which can die back and begin to rot.
Pruning Tips
When pruning, pay special attention to the center of the rose bush. By thinning unwanted canes from the center, you'll allow air to circulate through the entire bush, which helps prevent mildew and fungus from setting in.
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