Growing Roses Successfully

Roses bring classic beauty and fragrance to any garden. With the right care, they’re easier to grow than many people think! For a healthy, thriving rose garden, prioritize three essentials: good air circulation, at least 4-6 hours of sun daily, and well-drained soil. Visit us in-store for expert tips and advice on choosing the perfect roses for your space.

Planting Roses

  • Preparation: Start with an 18” x 18” hole filled with up to 50% bark mulch and 50% quality soil, plus one cup of bone meal for strong root growth.
  • Planting: Place the rose with the graft just below ground level, and water in with liquid Transplanter fertilizer.
  • Fiber Pots: If your rose is in a fiber pot, plant it with the pot on until roots establish, typically after May.

Planting Distances:

  • Miniatures: 12-18” apart
  • Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, Grandifloras: 3-4’ apart
  • Climbers: 6-8’ apart
  • Shrub Roses: 5-6’ apart
  • Groundcovers: 3-5’ apart

Year-Round Rose Care

  • Spring: Plant dormant roses and fertilize with rose-specific fertilizer once leaves appear.
  • Summer: Deep water to encourage root depth, monitor for pests, and remove faded blooms.
  • Fall: Clean up any fallen leaves, prune weak stems, apply 4-10-10 fertilizer, and add a 12” mulch mound for insulation.
  • Winter: Apply dormant spray three times (December, January, February) to protect against pests and disease.

Pruning Guide

Prune roses after the last hard frost and before new growth reaches 2-3”. Adjust pruning techniques based on rose type for best results:

  • Modern Roses, Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, Grandifloras: Lightly prune after blooms fade, and cut back by 1/3 in early spring to create a vase shape, improving air circulation.
  • Shrub & Antique Roses: Thin and shape in early spring to maintain size and remove unproductive canes.
  • Climbing Roses: Shape and prune unproductive wood once established, and trim productive laterals to 2-3 buds.
  • Ramblers: Prune lightly post-bloom and by 1/3 in early spring, training canes for best appearance.

Pruning Tips: Use clean, sharp shears, and apply pruning seal on major cuts. Make angled cuts 1/4” above an outward-facing bud to promote healthy growth.

Common Rose Challenges

Roses are more resilient than ever, with many varieties bred for disease resistance. Here are solutions to common issues:

  • Aphids: Use a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap.
  • Black Spot: Prevent with good air circulation; remove affected leaves and apply alternating fungicides.
  • Canker Die-Back: Prune affected areas and seal wounds.
  • Mildew: Avoid wet foliage and improve air circulation; treat with fungicides.
  • Yellowing Leaves: Poor drainage is likely; add fine bark mulch to the roots.

If you’re unsure about any issue, bring in a sample to our store for identification. Our team can recommend targeted solutions!

Helpful Hints

  • Dormant Spray: Applying dormant spray three times over winter can prevent up to 80% of pest and disease issues.
  • Organic Fungicide Recipe: Mix 8 grams of baking soda and 3 drops of insecticidal soap in 1 liter of water. Spray thoroughly to treat fungus.

Understanding Rose Types

  • Climbing/Rambling: Long canes reach 20’ or more, ideal for arbors and trellises.
  • English: Large, fragrant blooms—classic garden roses like David Austin varieties.
  • Floribunda: Clusters of blooms, ideal for cutting and long flowering.
  • Grandiflora: Cross between Hybrid Teas and Floribundas with continuous blooms.
  • Groundcover: Low maintenance, spreading varieties.
  • Hybrid Tea: Elegant blooms on long stems, perfect for cutting.
  • Miniature: Compact size, ideal for containers.
  • Shrub/Tree Roses: Treated like flowering shrubs, great as hedges with excellent disease resistance.

Roses bring timeless beauty to any garden. For personalized guidance on rose selection, care tips, and troubleshooting advice, visit us in-store—our team is ready to help you grow the garden of your dreams!