Caring For Roses

It is rumored that roses are difficult to grow. As a result, gardeners may shy away from attempting to grow these beautiful, fragrant flowers. However, if you take the time to learn how to care for roses, growing them is surprisingly easy and your results should last for years to come. Aside from adequate sunshine, the three major considerations when growing roses is water, nutrition and pruning. Learning what roses require of each is the key to caring for roses.

Perhaps the biggest consideration when growing roses is water. Roses require about one inch of water each week. A rose plant's roots run deep into the ground. By running deep, the roots can access water even when the soil surface may be dry. If the rose does not get enough water, the roots trend to run shallow in the soil, making them susceptible in times of drought and dry spells. Be sure to deep water your roses to encourage the roots to grow deep.

Like water, roses need good nutritious soil. Roses grow best where organisms living in the soil produce the nutrients. While man-made fertilizers can interfere with the organism balance in the soil, organic fertilizers can give the organisms a boost. Fungus and helpful bacteria in the organic fertilizers break down the organic matter, making the soil fertile for a long time. It is tempting to add man-made fertilizers, however, these fertilizers can upset the balance of the soil's organisms. When there is a decrease in organisms producing nutrients in the soil, the rose plant can then become dependent on the man-made fertilizer for its nutrient needs. If you choose to use a man-made fertilizer, it is best to use a slow release variety. The most effective formulas for roses are 5-10-5 or 4-8-4.

Regardless of which fertilizer you choose, the best time of year to fertilize your roses is in the early spring when the plants are starting to wake up from their dormant state as they get ready for a new season. You can also fertilize when the blooms are over and the rose plants begin to store energy for the next season. Stop fertilizing about six weeks before the first frost.

The third element of rose care is pruning. As with fertilizing, pruning is best done in the early spring as the plant comes out of its dormant period. Cut out diseased, dead or broken branches. Pruning is necessary for air to circulate in and around the plant. Pruning is also necessary to shape the plant. Cutting the rose plant's dead blooms encourages more growth. Pruning the buds of a young plant will help strengthen and establish the plant.

Beautiful roses require a few basics. If you give your rose plants adequate water, good nutritious soil, and regular pruning, your roses should reward you with unending beauty, year after year.