This month's topic is the thorny issue of Roses. In today's blog I will address 2 main contentious issues - pruning and feeding.
Roses
need pruning from time to time - and as you increase in confidence and
experience - you will know intuitively when to prune and how much to
prune. Roses are a slightly complicated area - but don't be put off -
have a go!
There are many different types of rose. Three main groups are climbers, standard roses, and bush roses.
Bush
Roses >>> prune much like you would a shrub. Cut back to
maintain a good bush shape during the season - and in the Autumn - give
it a good haircut!
Standard
Roses >>> during the season prune the spent flowers - but do
not just cut the flower off at the tip. Follow the branch fairly low
down the plant and cut back to an outward facing bud if you can. Pruning
harder is better as a general rule - than leaving the plant alone in
the fear that you will loose precious flowers. Always prune to keep a
good form rather than flowers and you should not go too far wrong. If you keep pruning spent flowers throughout the season - your rose should keep on and on flowering.
In
the Autumn give the rose a good prune. Prune out dead, diseased and
damaged first. Then prune fairly hard down to lower buds.
Climbers
>>> prune some of older canes down to the ground each year in
Autumn. Choose three or four main longer canes to form the structure of
the plant and tie them in to a suitable support. Prune the side shoots
back to a bud close to the three or four main leaders. In this way you
allow the plant to produce new flowering shoots the following year
without loosing all of its growth.
When
feeding roses - feed the soil. Apply a thick layer of manure around
the roses each year in Autumn. When planting roses - wait until winter
and buy bare rooted if you can. Plant them deep and apply a thick layer
of manure mulch around the roses.
Roses may need spraying up to 4 times a year with a black spot spray to keep the foliage in good fettle.
Every garden should have a rose or two - there are hundreds to choose from - speak to your local garden centre - for advice on the best to suit your soil and aspect. Roses as a general rule like to be planted in a position to benefit from the sun - but will tolerate most locations.
Until next time - enjoy your garden. And above all - do have a go!!
Sage.
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Pamper your roses - season long - with Kingdom Plants - call me in to have a look at your own unique garden.
I can advise on all aspects of a well kept garden. Working with you to produce and maintain a space you can relax in and enjoy.
