To ensure the repeated bloom and vigorous growth of roses in your landscape, proper care must be provided. Timely fertilizer and pesticide applications, adequate water and proper pruning will keep them healthy and blooming.
Fertilize your plants every six to eight weeks with a complete fertilizer formulated for roses, making the last application of the season no later than Sept. 1. Keep granular fertilizers off leaves and canes.
Weekly fungicide applications will control powdery mildew and black spot. Always apply according to label directions.
Watch closely for pests and react quickly to destroy them, using pesticide labeled for roses and according to directions.
Apply chemical sprays in the early morning or late evening in order to avoid leaf burn from the direct sun.
Roses require about an inch of water per week per bush. Watering bushes during dry periods will ensure continuous flowering during the growing season. Mulch to conserve water, cool the soil and discourage weeds.
Remove spent blooms to keep plants blooming and encourage new growth. Prune dead or diseased canes and suckers anytime they occur, but do not prune severely in the summer.
Robin Wright Brumbelow, Smith County Master Gardener
With winter just around the corner, it's time to think about preparing your roses for winter. The steps listed below will help your plants survive the ever-changing East Texas weather.
Roses need l-2 inches of water each week during the growing season. As cold weather sets in, reduce the amount of water but remember to not let them dry out completely. Plants need water during dry spells, even during winter months.
Continue spraying for black spot fungus.
Watch for insects and treat only if there is a problem. Use pesticides labeled for the pests you are targeting and follow label directions.
Discontinue fertilizing your roses.
To slow down the plant growth and allow the plant to harden off, leave the rose hips on the bush after the last blooming cycle.
Add additional mulch to protect roots and conserve moisture.
Roses grown in containers need to be put in the ground, container and all, in a protected area of the yard.
To prevent wind damage on large rose bushes, cut the canes back to 3 feet.
By taking these simple steps, your roses should make it through the winter just fine.
Sue Adee, Smith County Master Gardener
Though the temperature is usually warm in the fall, that's the time to think about preparing your roses for winter. These steps will help your plants survive the ever-changing East Texas weather.
Roses need 1 to 2 inches of water each week during the growing season. As cold weather sets in, reduce the amount of water, but do not allow them to completely dry out. Plants need water during dry spells, even during the winter months.
Continue spraying for black spot fungus. Watch for insects, and treat only if a problem develops. Use pesticides labeled for the pests you are targeting, and follow label directions. Discontinue fertilizing your roses after August. To slow down the plant growth and allow the plant to harden off, leave the rose hips on the bush after the last blooming cycle.
Add additional mulch to protect roots and conserve moisture. Roses grown in containers need to be put in the ground, container and all, in a protected area of the yard. To prevent wind damage on large bushes, cut the canes back to 3 feet in August or early September. By taking these simple steps, your roses should make it through the winter just fine!
Sue Adee, Smith County Master Gardener
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