The rose was given the title ‘The Queen of Flowers’ as long ago as 600BC.
No other flower is more popular in this country and, with its multiple uses, it can be recommended for the adornment of gardens both large and small.
Few shrubby genera can surpass roses for adaptability to a variety of situations and soils. It is often said that they have a fondness for clay soils. Moisture retention in the soil can go a long way to ensure healthy growth and, with little more than average attention, roses, will still thrive and give great satisfaction on those of a sandy or gravely nature too.
Susceptibility to attacks from common insects such as aphids and their own particular fungal enemies, like mildew and black spot, is nothing out of the ordinary among cultivated plants and one has to be prepared, where necessary, to cope with their afflictions.
Roses are looking their best this month and there are so many different varieties to choose from. There are several that are excellent for pots on patios or balconies too, so you don’t need to have a large garden or a border to enjoy them at home. Plus, they are very easy to care for.
Annual pruning of garden roses is highly important if they are to do justice to themselves and have a long happy life.
Recently there has been a tendency to carry out pruning at any time during the dormant season but we still prefer doing it towards the end of March, when there is less risk of premature new growth being subject to damage by frost. So, if you have roses, set yourself a diary date for next March to get this job done and follow our handy tips below.
The traditional method of pruning roses is regarded by many gardeners as something of an art but using a good pair of secateurs or hedge trimmers is all that is needed.
Hedge trimmers get the job done very quickly, and as roses are tough, there are no detrimental effects. Even though mechanical pruning removes a degree of healthy growth on some rose varieties, the plants ability to produce strong, healthy shoots and flowers is not reduced and in most instances the quality is better when compared to traditional pruning methods.
When pruning with hedge trimmers or secateurs, cut back the bushes by one third to a half, about 46cm. This will leave the plants with strong growing main shoots.
After pruning, clear up the rose debris and apply a good quality rose fertiliser dressing. Fork the dressing lightly into the soil surface.
The most important task to do next is to apply a bark mulch around the plants. This will help to control weeds but most of all will reduce stress to the bushes during the summer months.
Using mulch is the key to holding moisture in the soil, which is essential for helping plants resist disease and maintain their quality in terms of growth and flower production.
Our member garden centres sell a wide variety of roses. Find your local garden centre here and please remember, if you’re local centre is open, please follow all social distancing rules.