Planting and Taking Care of Roses

A rose by any other name is still a rose. However, look at the variety of different roses out there. I grow roses. The colors, the fragrances, the different types of buds and blooms all amaze me. It seems everyone loves roses. Not many journey into the wonderful world of growing these gorgeous flowers. Roses may need a bit more care than the wildflower. The payoff in the end is that you will have gorgeous flowers that will bloom year after year. They are not that hard to grow if you follow a few basic rules.

Follow directions - If you mail order your roses they will more than likely come bare root. I have even noticed some local places selling roses this way. Don't let the bare root variety scare you. They ship them this way for the health of the rose. They will come with specific instruction in how to care for them. More than likely it will tell you to soak your bare root roses for a certain amount of time before you plant them. The directions are clear. Different growers recommend different methods. Follow the directions carefully.

Choose your location with care - Most roses like sun. They need four to six hours of sun a day. Pick a sunny location with well-drained soil. When planting them you will need to dig a hole that is about eighteen inches deep and twenty-four inches wide. Keep this in mind when picking out your location as well. You will need this much room for each rose plant. Also, figure in the distance between the roses.

Planting your roses - Once you have the spot in your yard chosen and your hole dug, it is time to put in your roses. If you are working with bare root, build up a mound of dirt in the bottom of the hole so the roots cascade over it and point downward. Fill the hole half to two-thirds with dirt. You then need to water thoroughly. Wait for the water to soak in and then continue to fill the hole with dirt.

Mulch your roses - This is a very important step. Roses need to be mulched. It helps the roots to retain their moisture and keeps your roses healthy. Most rose growers recommend pine bark mulch for this task.

Water your roses - Just as important as sun is water. Roses need lots of water. While they may need a lot of water, the time to water roses is very important. While the roots need deep watering, the leaves do not like to remain wet. Watering roses first thing in the morning helps prevent the leaves staying wet. They have the day to dry off. If a rose's leaves are left wet overnight they are susceptible to black spot and powdery mildew.

Prune your roses - This is usually a rose grower's preference. Many say to prune, many say not to prune. What is important is to know how to do it. Something as simple as cutting roses requires knowledge of how to cut or prune roses. Always use sharp pruning shears. Do not tare or rip at the stems. Always cut at an angle. This helps to prevent water damage. Try to cut above a growth bud. It is where a new leaf or stem is about to come out. Cut just above these at an angle.

Fertilize your roses - It is debated as to what should be used to fertilize roses. The choice is personal. There are many different brands and types on the market. Many fertilizers are made for flowering plants. Some fertilizers are made for roses alone. Roses should be fertilized on a regular basis.

Enjoy your roses - Roses may need a bit more attention. They are well worth the effort put into them. Their fragrance and colors will bring much joy over the years. I do not think there is a flower that brings more joy than a rose.