June is the month when roses bloom and while I was in my garden this past weekend, I noticed that mine are just beginning their summer show. Although roses have the reputation as being difficult to grow and care for, that really isn’t true. In fact, roses can be one of the easier and prettiest shrubs in your yard, if given a little care and attention.
If you are thinking about new beds, now is a good time to begin that process. Look at your yard and determine where and what size beds you might want. A sunny, well drained site is the best place. If you have a place with southern exposure where the roses will receive good sunlight even in the winter, that would be a great location.
Organic matter is essential in preparing your rose beds. Back to Earth acidified cotton boll compost is a good choice for amending the soil in a new bed. Rototill this organic material into the soil to a depth of 15-18 inches. If you are only planting a few roses, then mix your organic matter at the rate of 1/3 organic matter to 2/3 soil in the hole in which you will be planting. Be careful if you choose to use manure- it makes our already alkaline soils even more alkaline and roses prefer a slightly acidic soil.
An application of triple superphosphate is helpful at this time and helps the plant to develop a good root system. Alfalfa meal may be used as well. It acts as a growth hormone and is important for the overall health of your rose.
Although many people don’t realize it, most roses are grafted onto different root stock which is done in order to make the plants stronger and healthier. When planting, plant your rose so that the graft (the large knobby part near the base) is just below soil level. This is important because the graft is the weakest part and needs to be protected. Then mulch with bark to keep the moisture in and weeds out.
Once planted, begin a regular fertilization program. There are many excellent fertilizers from which to choose and each has it’s own merits. I like Bonide’s Rose and Flower Systemic which is not only a fertilizer but also contains a systemic insecticide to fight against pests so you get the benefits of two products in one. No matter what kind of fertilizer you choose to use, follow the label directions and use it consistently. The fertilizer is what will produce lush, green foliage and beautiful, healthy roses.
Over the summer keep your eyes peeled for insects and diseases. Most common insects are thrips, spider mites, and aphids and these can be treated with insecticidal products from your garden center. If you see something suspicious, take a cutting, seal it in a ziplock bag and take it to your local garden professional for identification. One of the most common diseases is powdery mildew- a white, fuzzy looking substance on the leaves and this is also easily treated.
Be sure to water your rose deeply and evenly on a regular basis. Roses like regular water, but do not like to be in saturated soil, so be sure yours drains well before planting. Keep up your watering and fertilizing schedule throughout the summer for best results. Do not apply fertilizer after August 10th in this area however. This will allow the plant time to prepare itself for the upcoming fall and winter season.
If the hybrid tea varieties seem too fragile or fussy for you, consider other types. The old fashioned roses such as Austrian Copper and Persian Yellow tend to thrive better, have less disease and insect problems and once established, and withstand drought better. Some of the antique varieties of roses have been found and dug up in ghost towns and have survived, virtually uncared for, for more than a century. These are tough plants.
Cut your roses and enjoy them indoors or leave them on the plant and enjoy them outdoors. Do be sure to deadhead the spent blooms so that the growing energy can be re-directed to the new blossoms.
There is a rose for everyone. Enjoy your roses for the wonderfully fragrant and beautiful flowers that they are knowing that with a little care and attention they will richly reward you with an abundance of blooms throughout the summer growing season!
Gail Vanik can be reached at 970-565-8274 or by email at fourseasons@animas.net.