Guidelines For The Novice Gardener To Care for Roses

By Rob Clifton

Roses have such a storied and colorful history. They are a lovely flower that gives off a beautiful aroma. Many a gardener has desired to plant and cultivate their own rose bush. To be able to gaze upon the plant during the summer months in full bloom is such a powerful and lovely thought that many a gardener has purchased a rose plant. They planted it with such care and love only to have it become sick or worse, die. Then they decide the growing roses are too difficult and give up.

While care of roses will require some research and effort on the part of the gardener, the steps involved in the process of rose care are not generally as difficult as it seems. The key is in seeking for good information to equip yourself about proper rose care before you bring home your rose sapling from the nursery.

Watering Fundamentals

Roses are picky about the amount of water. They do not tolerate too little or too much water. So, how much is the right amount of water?

The top inch or two of the soil should be allowed to become dry. If the dry line goes any further, the soil is too dry and the rose bush is beginning to suffer from dry conditions.

The top inch or two of the soil should be allowed to become dry. If the dry line goes any further, the soil is too dry and the rose bush is beginning to suffer from dry conditions.

Roses like a good long drink of water on a regular basis. The simplest method to achieve this is to use a sprinkler. Water thoroughly enough to soak the soil without runoff. Also, avoid using a hard stream of water as this will erode the soil from the base of the rose bush.

Also, keep in mind when watering your roses that the foliage of these plants should not remain wet. This suggests that when caring for your roses, watering should take place in the morning or early afternoon hours, so that your plant has time to dry sufficiently before nightfall. A plant that has wet foliage too often will become vulnerable to diseases like black spot. Another method of watering that works well in the care of your roses is a drip irrigation system. Mulching is a good way to keep the root area moist around the rose bush.

Fertilizer Basics

Roses need to be fertilized on a regular basis. A large part of care for roses is selecting the right fertilizer for your rose bush. What type of fertilizer should be used in the care of your roses? There are several different kinds available that distill down to these categories:

* Inorganic fertilizers are the most simplest to use and widely available at the local garden supply store. Select a fertilizer that is high in phosphorous.
* Organic fertilizers - There are several different types of organic fertilizers that you can select from. The most commonly used for the care of roses are manure, fish fertilizer, bone meal or blood meal.

Check the soil composition and nutrient value for lime content. Roses require lime in the soil to flourish. It is recommended to add a lime supplement once a year into the soil if your soil does not contain enough lime.

Apply the fertilizer after the danger of frost has past. Then reapply the fertilizer every six weeks during the blooming season.

With a little planning and research, before purchasing and planting a new rose bush, you can grow lovely roses. Proper care for roses is not as difficult or complex as it may seem. Following these basic guide lines will quickly help you establish a strong thriving rose bush.

For more information on planting roses try visiting http://www.factsaboutroses.com

A popular rose gardening website that offers tips, advice and resources including information on care for roses, green roses, colors of roses and meanings of white roses.