D
espite the heat we have been experiencing the past while, roses are still looking great and continue to give colour and delight to gardeners. Roses are actually quite resilient plants that can take a beating and survive to delight us with their vivid colours. Below are some tips that you can use to get the best out of your roses.

Watering

  • Create a mounded basin around your roses that you fill up when you water, this will ensure that water filters through to the roots.
  • Rather water less frequently but with more water at a time.
  • Water early in the morning rather than in the afternoon or evening.
  • Watering in the evenings greatly increases the chances of powdery mildew and black spot both of which can be a pest to get rid of.
  • Mulching is the one thing that will make the biggest difference with conserving water.

Pests and Diseases

  • One of the best ways to combat pests in the garden is to plant companion plants such as Marigolds, Wild Garlic and onions in between your roses to repel insects.
  • A spray regime can be implemented to achieve control but try to use organic products where possible, it’s better for you and better for the bees.
  • In warm dry weather sucking insects such as aphids and red spider mite are more prevalent – hose water on the underside of your roses to suppress red spider.
  • Wet and cooler weather creates the perfect conditions for black spot and mildew to flourish, so keep an eye out for these.

Feeding

  • Just like we need food to survive our roses need food to flourish.
  • Feed your roses with a fertiliser high in Potash/Potassium (K); such as 8:1:5 to ensure a bounty of blooms.
  • When using a chemical fertiliser remember to water thoroughly afterwards to prevent fertiliser burn.
  • Organic fertiliser takes a bit longer to show results but keeps on feeding the roses for longer.

Pruning

  • The amazing thing about with roses is that the more you prune them the better they grow and flower.
  • Cut the long stems back by about a third too two-thirds to encourage new fresh shoots.
  • When cutting back standard roses try and shape them into a ball whilst pruning.
  • Support standard roses with rose stakes to prevent them from snapping in the wind when they get top heavy.



With a little bit of care your roses will reward you with endless days colourful fragrance. Pop into the nursery for a variety of potential delight.