In my opinion, roses are some of the most beautiful flowers around. Unfortunately, their reputation for being difficult to grow and maintain has prevented many gardeners from enjoying these lovely flowers.
It’s true that rose gardening can be more challenging than other types of flowers, but once you’ve discovered how to care for roses correctly, you’ll find that it’s not really that bad.
The first step in setting up a rose garden is choosing which type of rose to plant. This doesn’t mean what color rose you’d like to grow, but how you’ll purchase them. Roses typically come in three different types:
Bare-root
Pre-packaged
Container-grown roses
Bare-Root Roses
Bare-root roses can be purchased in the winter and early spring. You’ll need to plant them as soon as frosts are over and the ground is warm enough to work, since they’re roots are exposed and vulnerable.
Pre-Packaged Roses
These roses are similar to bare-root roses, but they are purchased in a bag or box with something around the roots to retain moisture. The ideal thing to have around the roots is sawdust.
Container-grown Roses
These roses are purchased already growing in containers. They are available in the early spring, and they will be either budding or already in bloom.
Rose gardening isn’t really that much different from any other type of flower gardening. It’s important, as with any other plant, to have good, healthy soil and a prime planting area. It makes no difference as to whether your roses are bare-root or container-grown, the methods of planting are the same as with any other type of shrub. Ensure that the location in which you select to plant your roses has a good drainage, receives sufficient sunlight and will not overcrowd your roses. Research your specific variety of rose to see what kind of light it prefers and how much space it will need once it’s fully grown.
Before planting your roses, trim and remove any dead leaves and thin or decayed shoots. Any roots that are long or damaged also need to be trimmed. If you’ve purchased bare-root roses, soak them in water for approximately 10 to 12 hours before planting them, in order to restore the moisture in the roots. Dig a hole large enough to enable the roots to grow and water the soil before planting so that the roots receive moisture immediately upon planting. You can also add compost, mulch or rose fertilizer - just like any other plant, roses like extra nutrients.
Roses require the same nutrients as any other plants - they just require a little bit more. Roses are heavy feeders and will require several applications of fertilizer throughout the growing season. Begin fertilizing your roses in the early spring and stop fertilization in the early fall. Be careful not to over-fertilize your roses – any commercial fertilizer should come with instructions on the proper application. Be sure to give your roses a good watering after each fertilization. Roses need lots of water and prefer a thorough watering at least twice a week.
Pruning is another important part of rose gardening. Proper pruning will increase the number of blooms and encourage healthy plant growth. How much pruning and the pattern by which you should prune your rose will depend on the variety of rose you’re growing and your climate region. Do a little research online or ask a worker at a garden supply store about the best way to prune your roses.
If you’re going to be working with roses, invest in a pair of heavy duty garden gloves. Most roses have thorns and they hurt a lot if you aren’t careful when pruning. Rose gardening does take a little more time and patience than that of other gardening, but it is worth the extra work to see these most unique and beautiful plants blooming in your garden.
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