Roses have the reputation of being a delicate flower, but the plant is rather resilient. With the proper planting, fertilizing, water and pruning, your rose bushes should supply you with pretty, lovely smelling blossoms year-after-year. Here are a few expert on how to plant and care for the rose bush.
Picture taken from: The Rose Shop
How to Plant and Care for the Rose Bush
Buying Roses
Nurseries sell roses as dormant bare-root plants or potted in soil. If you’re new to the joys of running your fingers through soil, then consider starting with container roses. They are easy to plant and establish themselves quickly. If you’re comfortable with your green thumb, go with bare-root plants since more choices are available.
Proper Placement
Deciding where to plant your roses in your yard is an important decision. For the plant to thrive and produce the prettiest blossoms, it needs six to eight hours of sunshine each day. This is especially true in climates like ours. Roses also do well when you plant them in soil that has plenty of organic matter and good drainage.
When to Plant Roses
Plant your roses in the spring following the last frost of the year or during the fall at least six weeks before the first frost generally occurs. This step gives the plant’s roots the time they need to burrow down into the soil before going dormant. Bare-root roses should only be planted early in the spring.
Picture taken from: The Rose Shop
How to Plant Roses
When planting roses, it’s important to dig deep into the soil. The hole will need to be wide enough and deep enough for the plant’s roots. A deep, wide hole will also give the roots good drainage. Roses do not like their roots to be wet. Combine a good amount of garden-based compost, other organic matter and peat moss with the soil that you removed to make the hole. Add some of this mixture to the bottom of the hole. Then, set the plant inside. Once placed, the top of the plant should be a few inches lower than ground level. Fill the hole in part of the way with your soil mixture and add in a slow-release fertilizer. Water it thoroughly and fill in the hole with your remaining soil mixture.
Follow Up
Fertilize your roses regularly. Also, water them wisely. Roses like soil that’s kept moist consistently. The amount of water that they need and the frequency at which they need it will depend on the type of soil that you have in your yard. If you have sandy soil, they’ll need more water than if you plant them in a heavy clay soil. Prune your rose bushes early in the spring and deadhead throughout the growing season. Apply an insecticide soap if you notice that aphids, sawflies or spider mites are eating them.
A Garden Classic
Roses are a classic, beautiful flower. When you learn how to plant and care for the rose bush, you’ll have plenty of pretty blossoms all summer long.
Picture taken from: The Rose Shop