Simplified Rose Planting and Care Guide

Planting

When planting roses, select a site that receives at least six hours of sun. It should be an area with good drainage and the soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8.

The hole should be about 18 inches wide and slightly deeper than the container. The roses should be spaced at least three feet apart. Mix the soil from the hole with equal parts of soil conditioner and cow manure, and one cup of super phosphate.

Remove the plant and soil together from the container and place in the hole so that the bud union is at or just below soil level. Fill in the hole with amended soil mixture and add 1/2 cup of a time-released fertilizer around the plant. Water and tamp well to settle ground around roots. Apply three to four inches of mulch such as pine needles or mini bark nuggets around your roses.

Watering

Roses need to be watered deeply enough to encourage deep root growth. It is preferable to water early in the day to prevent fungus on leaves that get wet, or to use a soaker hose. Also, plan watering the day before spraying fungicide or insecticide to prevent leaf burn. Never over water, one watering a week is enough.

Pruning

Prune established roses between April 15th and May 1st. Begin by pruning out all dead wood next to the bud union. Next, prune out canes with a smaller diameter than a pencil. Prune large healthy canes to about 12" - 18". All cuts should be made at a 45<° angle to the stem axis. If there are too many large canes, thin them out leaving from three to six canes, depending on the size of the bush. This applies to Floribundas, Grandifloras and Hybrid Teas. Climbers should not be pruned until after the first spring blooming. Prune only the dead canes and dead tips of the long canes. Prune roses hip high or a height of three feet in November.

Feeding Roses

Spraying Roses