Growing roses can seem like a complex and daunting task, but it needn’t be. Roses can be relatively low maintenance if you follow some basic principles.
Firstly, choose the right type of rose for your area. Check the tag to make sure it’s suitable for your climate and soil type. Some roses prefer full sun, while others do well in partial shade
Next, plant them correctly. Roses need well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter to thrive. Dig a hole no deeper than the root ball and twice as wide. Soak the roots in water for an hour before planting into loosened soil mixed with compost or aged manure, and firmly tamp down the ground when done.
Water is essential for healthy growth, so ensure they receive enough moisture without overwatering them. Water deeply once a week in periods of prolonged dryness, but avoid wetting their leaves to prevent the fungal disease from setting in.
Feed your plants with fertilizer a handful at a time early in spring or after the first blooms to encourage regrowth. Always follow instructions on the packet, though. Prune your rose bushes annually during winter months. This helps maintain their shape and freshens up new growth and flowering come springtime.
Roses are attractive to pests such as aphids and spider mites which can decimate foliage if allowed to go unchecked too long, so keep an eye out regularly, especially underneath leaves where these insects hide.
Although growing roses might require a bit of planning and care, they have undeniable aesthetic qualities that make growing them a worthwhile challenge any way you look at it!