Rose plants are easily one of the most popular species that homeowners’ plant in their gardens. Not only do they make a wonderful addition to existing gardens, but they can work beautifully all on their own. A designated rose garden enables the owner to blend different colours and varieties in one location.
With that said, roses can be a bit finicky and do require some special care and consideration in order to thrive. Here we’ll take a look at how you can prep the ground for roses, what soil is best, which fertiliser to use, how to plant your roses, and then the care moving forward.
Pick the Right Variety for Your Climate
The first tip to keep in mind is that you want to be sure you pick the right kind of rose for your climate. There are all kinds of different rose varieties that come in different sizes, colours, and bloom times. Not every variety works in every climate.
You also need to think about the sun/shade conditions of the garden you will be creating. Typically, roses require at least four hours of direct sunlight each day, but that doesn’t mean they can’t grow in shade. There are some varieties that can still handle little to no direct sun.
Give Roses Plenty of Room
Another tip is to make sure that you space your roses out well and give them plenty of room to thrive. Experts suggest you leave two feet between roses and other plants, and then three feet between actual roses. This allows them to get the sunlight and moisture they need.
Soil Conditions
Roses tend to do very well in clay soil that is quite damp. If your soil doesn’t meet these requirements and is on the sandy side, then it’s wise to add a fair amount of manure and mulch when planting. Moving forward, add fresh chipped bark or mulch in the spring each year.
How Much Water Do They Need?
Just like any other plant, your roses will need water, but finding the right balance of how much to give and when will be key to their growth. During the autumn and winter months (October to February), it’s not usually necessary to water roses in the UK.
As soon as spring starts to hit in March, though, you’ll need to start watering. If you have established roses then watering once a week is perfect. For newly planted roses, you’ll need to water them once every three days.
As for the summer months, established roses can continue with the once a week watering (unless you are going through a period of extreme heat), and newly planted roses should be watered every other day.
How About Fertiliser?
A common question many gardeners have is if they need to fertilise their roses. Really, only two feedings are necessary, one in late March or early April, then one in late July right after the first bloom cycle. Look for a fertiliser that is specifically formulated for roses.
Be Sure to Dead Head
The final tip is to make sure you stay on top of dead-heading your roses. This helps to give them a great look and will encourage new growth.
All of these tips will ensure you have a beautiful rose garden for many years to come.
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