Important rose care tips and advice

Roses are one of the most popular flowers that you will find at any florist. They are also wonderful houseplants and they can do very well in your garden, provided they receive the proper care. Here are some essential rose care tips to ensure your plant produces plenty of beautiful blooms.

Potted or bare-root

There are two main options when it comes to buying a rose plant. The type of initial rose care that you provide will depend on which one you choose. Potted roses are great for beginners since they are already rooted in their potting soil. If yours is a miniature rose plant, it will remain in this pot until the time comes to transplant it into a larger one. For garden roses, you will need to select a safe spot in your garden where your young rose plant can further take root once removed from the pot. Another option would be to choose bare-root roses. They can be a bit tougher to grow so you may need some experience with roses in order to enjoy better success with these plants. The main benefit of this option is that you have a much wider variety from which to choose.

Choose carefully

You probably already know that roses come in a wide selection of colours. What you may not know is that they are also available in a wide variety of types. From large, full flowers to spray roses and even climbing roses, each type has its own needs. The key is not to complicate your garden. Not only will it make rose care difficult, but it will also give your garden an untidy appearance. You should also avoid overcrowding your garden. Roses need space to grow and this does not only apply to the stems. You should always keep in mind that the growth above ground is only part of the plant. Be considerate of their roots as well and make sure that they don’t end up suffocating one another. It’s also better for the soil to avoid overcrowding since the soil will be better prepared to provide each plant with the nutrients that it needs.

The right spot

If you want to have a healthy and happy plant that produces plenty of flowers, you need to plant it in just the right spot. Before you buy your rose plant, take a long look at your garden. Take note of where the sun shines in the morning, afternoon, evening and where it reaches all day long. One of the most important rose care tips to remember is that your plant will need six to eight hours of sunlight each day. In hot climates, it does not hurt for your plant to be protected from the midday sun. However, in cooler climates where summer is not as harsh, they do well with all-day sun. In cooler climates, however, you want to plant them in an area where they will enjoy some shelter during the winter.

Soil

The soil in which you plant your roses also needs to be just right. They enjoy well-drained soil. If your garden soil is not particularly suited for roses, you can add peat moss to your heavy clay soil along with other organic matter to create the perfect environment. If you have sandy soil, you can add compost to help the soil retain more moisture.

Planting time

All plants have a life cycle which means that there is a specific time during which you should plant roses. This is a basic rose care rule that should never be ignored. The best time for planting is during the spring. Remember to wait until the final frost is behind you before you do so. If you plant too early, the frost can kill your new plants. Your roses need to enjoy several warmer months in order to really bury their roots in the soil before their dormant phase during the winter. Also, make sure that you do not plant on a hot or particularly sunny day. This can put added stress on the plant.

Planting depth

If you are planting several rose plants, you should make sure that they are at least three feet apart. You should also take the time to prepare the soil and dig deep in order to do so. Make sure that the hole or holes you dig are deep and wide enough to accommodate the roots. You may want to dig a bit deeper than necessary in order to add a layer of peat moss, compost or other organic matter to the base of the hole. Place your rose plant in the hole and fill with the soil mixture. You can also add some slow-release fertilizer at this time. Remember, proper rose care requires the right type of fertilizer too. So take care when making your selection.

Regular fertilizing

Fertilizer is a great way of providing your roses with added nutrients. The better your plants are ‘fed’, the more flowers they will produce. Slow-release fertilizers are great because they create the perfect balance for these plants. There are some fertilizers specifically designed for roses. If you are not sure which one to choose, talk to a plant nursery worker and they will surely have several great options.

Watering

You cannot discuss rose care without mentioning water! This is one of the most important parts of all. Of course, you want to make sure that you keep your plant hydrated but you don’t want to overdo it. If the soil is on the clay side, you will not need to water as often since the soil will retain water. Sandy soil drains very quickly so you will need to water more often. When watering, make sure that you do so in the morning or evening. You should also spray the soil around the roots as opposed to the flowers and leaves. Your watering schedule will largely depend on the weather too. During warmer months, more frequent watering is needed.

Finally, don’t forget to prune your rose plant regularly and, once it grows to a satisfactory size, you can even cut some shoots to grow more plants! When you cut the shoots, make sure that you follow all of the rose care tips listed above for a successful outcome.