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The Basics of Caring for Roses

By: Ida Weber

Read More About Cultivation & gardening

Whether it is a bank of rose bushes or a single plant, the presence of roses in a garden adds something special. Unfortunately, many gardeners hesitate to grow them because of the belief that rose plants are hard to care for. While it can be true, if a few basic principles are followed when caring for roses beautiful results can be achieved.

Roses need attention on a regular basis in order for it to look its best. But again, if you learn those steps, keeping your roses in great shape is easy.

The first basic principle is that, just like other plants, roses need water. If the plants are kept well watered in the proper amounts, they will bloom their best. About an inch of water per week is a rule of thumb to follow; however, feel free to monitor your roses’ progress and modify the amount if needed. The roots of the plants need to be well watered as the natural growth habit of roses is to have deep root systems. This enables the rose to tolerate less water during drier periods. In order to encourage the deep root growth by watering your roses for longer periods of time and more infrequently. More frequent, lighter watering will cause the plant to grow shallow roots and the plant will not tolerate drought well.

Fertilizing is another part of proper rose care. When planted in organically rich soil, most rose species can go years without the application of chemical fertilizer. Organisms living in the soil product a natural fertilizer plants feed on. If you over use man-made fertilizer, you may kill off these beneficial organisms. Also, your plants then become dependent on the chemical fertilizer. Also, by over using man-made fertilizer you can smother those beneficial bugs. Plus, your plants can become dependant on fertilizers forcing you to constantly provide them. Instead, owners can apply a slow-release fertilizer to the soil just as the plant is coming out of its dormancy period in early spring. You can also apply a small bit of fertilizer after the blooms go away and the plant is storing up energy for next season. But don’t fertilize after midsummer. Roses do well with both inorganic and organic fertilizers although organic fertilizer materials can be digested by the helpful bacteria and fungus within the soil resulting in your soil permanently becoming more fertile. The most effective combination of inorganic fertilizer is 5-10-5 or 4-8-4.

Pruning, or deadheading, is another important part of caring for rose bushes. Rose bushes are normally pruned in the spring when the plant comes out of dormancy, but before it starts blooming for the year. Remove canes that are broker or dead. This allows the plants to put all of their energy into the healthy canes. It also allows air to circulate through the plant, which helps prohibit diseases. Pruning can also be used to shape the rose plants. The final purpose pruning serves is to remove the spent blooms, also called “deadheading.” Deadheading the flowers that are done blooming will encourage the plant to produce more blooms.

While time and commitment is required in caring for roses, as well as patience, skill, and knowledge, there is no greater reward than showing off your beautiful blooms for all to see. The rewards of being able to show off these gorgeous creations right on your front lawn are priceless.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Ida Weber is an author and rose gardening enthusiast. You can find out more about caring for roses at her web site, WildAboutRoses.net

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