How to Take Care of Roses
Roses may seem like a difficult plant to maintain, however, they are actually quite robust and will thrive even with a less-experienced gardener.
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to know to help your roses grow and flourish.
Varieties
There are about 150 species of rose and thousands of hybrids. It might be tempting to buy many kinds to fill your garden, but too many different plants may look disorganized and become cumbersome.
Streamline your choices according to the space you have. There are;
• miniatures,
• climbing plants, or
• larger blooms
Ask the advice of a local nursery about what grows best in your region. Like most plants, certain roses will work better according to the temperature and climate.
Suitable Flower Pots
If you choose to plant your roses in a pot, there are a few tips to keep your roses thriving:
1) Choose the pot depending on the size of the plant. A miniature rose plant needs a minimum of 10 inches of depth for a plant about 18 inches tall. A taller pot is better to allow room for the roots to grow.
2) Make sure that the pot has drainage holes. If a pot does not have them built in, it is a very simple fix to drill some in the bottom to allow the water to pass through.
3) The best practice is to re-pot every 2-3 years to replace old soil and refresh the growing process.
Watering
• Roses need plenty of water. Keep the soil saturated but not soaking wet.
• Make sure to water the roots and not the leaves.
• Note that damp leaves can lead to sickness or mildew.
Sunlight
Rose plants need about 6 hours of full, direct sunlight for the best results. If you are using a pot, then it’s easy enough to move your plant to the right place in the garden.
Choose an area with direct sunlight or partial shade. Again, this depends on the climate. For example, in a very hot Mediterranean region, find a place that has morning sunlight as opposed to afternoon sun. This will avoid the hottest part of the day sunshine on the plants.
Pruning
Pruning helps to keep the rose plant healthy and strong, give it shape, and allow new blooms to develop. The best time to prune is just before the first blooms arrive. This depends on the climate, but for most in a climate of four seasons, it would be between January and April, once nightly frosts have ended.
• Gloves, pruning shears, and loppers are needed for the process.
• Start at the base of the plant, cutting at a 45-degree angle.
• Remove any old leaves or dead branches to clear the way for new growth.
Transplant
The preferred time to transplant a rose bush is when it is still in its dormant phase, usually early spring before the blooms start to show.
• Try to preserve as many of the roots as possible.
• Check that the new place has adequate drainage and a deep enough hole for the plant. While it is possible to transplant a rose bush in bloom, it does take a little bit more care and making sure the plant is fully watered during the removal stage.
• Use a mixture of peat moss, mulch, and potting soil together to add to the well-watered hole, then gently place the plant into the new space.
To take care of your roses, make adjustments depending on the climate, type of soil, and rose variety.
With full sunlight, plenty of space for the roots, pruning, and regular watering, roses can thrive in many types of environments.
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