Roses are timeless and eternal. Human’s infatuation with roses spans centuries, maybe more. Their beauty, their fragrance, the duality of their nature with sentiments such as “every rose has its thorn” has given poets, romantics, and enthusiasts plenty to dream about. The existence of such a complex and wonderful lifeforms have given a platform for which a deeper meaning of the human condition can rest.
If you are a grower of roses already, you know how rewarding they are. If you are considering adding them to your garden's pallet, then you are familiar with how tempting their allure can be.
“I don't know whether nice people tend to grow roses or growing roses makes people nice.”
- Roland A. Browne
Growing roses is one of the more ambitious flowers one may attempt for their garden, and certainly one of the most rewarding. Here is what you need to know about growing and tending roses so that your garden will succeed, inspire and enrich.
Location: Roses need plenty of sunshine in order to thrive and produce blooms. Choose a spot in your garden that gets no less than six hours of sunshine daily for their proper growth.
Soil: Like many other plants, roses need rich well-draining soil. When planting, be sure to mix an organic matter and soil conditioner, such as Moon Valley Nursery’s Organic Planting Mulch and Soil and Water Conditioner, into the native soil that you will use to back-fill the hole.
Stimulation: You can achieve longevity with your bloom cycles, up to ten months out of the year, if you are able to property root-stimulate your rose bushes. Moon Valley Nursery’s Moon Juice is a proprietary blend of amino acids and probiotics that work directly on the root system in a way that allows the plant to absorb nutrients and water more efficiently. This heavily increases your plant’s potential to bloom repeatedly.
Water: Irrigation is crucial. Roses prefer a cycle of being deeply watered then allowed to dry out somewhat (not bone dry) before water is re-applied. A deep, infrequent application is best. Make sure to water the soil directly and avoid getting the foliage wet to prevent diseases. Adding a couple of inches of decorative mulch on the soil surface will also help limit over-splash when watering. Water frequency varies with climate and season. While getting used to the water cycle make sure to check moisture levels before applying. Early morning or evening application is preferred.
Prune: Roses need pruning annually. In Southern California, the recommendation is to reduce rose bushes down to three or four healthy canes, removing inner crossing branches, leaving outside buds only. This should be done in January-February. Occasional deadheading and shaping can be done throughout the year for general aesthetic.
Protect: Inspect roses frequently for infestations and outbreaks. Issues caught early enough are easier to cure and systemic insecticides are available for preventative maintenance. Be sure to ask your nursery professional for more information.
Fertilize: Feed your rose bushes often with an all-purpose organic fertilizer rich in chicken manure for all-around health. Moon Valley Nursery’s Moon Dust is a well-rounded product that benefits coloration, supports bud production and root health.
Visit your local Moon Valley Nursery today and see our vast selection of beautiful rose bushes. Be sure to mix and match our excellent products to ensure your plants remain healthy, happy and blooming!
Submit a Comment