Water Adequately
Seldom can you rely on rainfall to be an adequate source of water for roses. The actual frequency of watering will depend on your soil and climate as well as the age of the plant. Try watering a few mornings a week - water slowly, until the soil is thoroughly soaked 12 to 18 inches deep. Soaker hoses or a hose with a bubbler attachment will help keep water from splashing onto foliage, and possibly spreading diseases. Soil-level and drip-irrigation systems are also effective.
Prevent Pests
The best pest prevention for roses is achieved by selecting top-quality plants and then properly caring for them. For more information about specific pests and controls for your area, check with your local nursery or garden center, co-operative extension agent or AARS public garden.
Prune to Promote Blooms
Pruning controls the size and shape of rose plants and for modern varieties, keeps them blooming repeatedly all summer long. Well-established hybrid teas, floribundas and grandifloras should be pruned early each spring after the winter protection has been removed and just as the buds begin to swell.
Old-fashioned roses and climbers that bloom only once a year should be pruned immediately after flowering since they bloom on wood from the previous year's growth. Generous proper pruning creates bigger plants and eventually more flowers per plant. Selective pruning of top growth can produce bigger, but fewer, blooms. Don't be nervous about pruning - there is no evidence that anyone ever killed a plant with pruning shears!
To prune roses you'll need the following supplies: sharp curved-edge pruning shears; long-handled lopping shears; and leather gardening gloves. The diagram above shows the preferred angle to prune.
|
