Rose Gardening For Beginners With Some Tips. Roses have gotten a bad wrap over the years for being difficult to grow and maintain. If you are thinking of rose gardening don’t let this rumor stop you. While rose gardening can prove to be challenging, once you get the hang of it, it really isn’t that bad.
The red rose has become the traditional Valentine’s Day flower. As rose flower has always been the popular flower, the meaning of the red rose is still well known as the flower of passion and love.
When you first start rose gardening, you will have to choose what type of rose you wish to plant, and no, I’m not talking about the color. You will have to choose between bare-root, pre-packaged, and container-grown roses. Bare-root roses are sold in the winter and early spring.
They should be planted as soon as frosts are over and the ground is warm and workable. Pre-packaged roses are bare-root plants that are sold in a bad or box with something around the roots to retain moisture, such as sawdust. Container-grown roses are grown; you guessed it, in containers. They will be either budding or already in bloom when they become available in the early spring.
PREPARING BARE ROOT ROSES:
- Prune canes of rose bush to 8-12”,preferably to outside bud. Seal cuts with wood glue.
- Use 32 gallon trash can filled with water and a tablespoon of B-1 or few drops of Super Thrive and soak entire bush for 24 – 48 hours. You can get several bushes in the trash can.
Tips Rose Gardening For Beginners.
Planting in rose gardening is not that much different than any other type of plant. The most important thing, as always, is good, healthy soil and a prime planting area. It doesn’t matter whether your roses are bare-root or container-grown, the planting methods are the same as any other shrub. Make sure the spot you choose has good drainage, gets plenty of sunlight, and will not overcrowd your roses.
PREPARING THE HOLE:
- Dig hole 18 to 24″wide. Width is crucial for good feeder root development.
- Scratch in 1/2 to 1 cup of Disper-sul or Tiger Brand Soil Sulfur in bottom of the hole. Then add 1/2 cup Triple Super Phosphate (0-45-0) as a clump.
PREPARING THE FILL SOIL:
- Mix in a large container or wheelbarrow about 30% forest mulch or compost, 50 % original soil and 20% Perlite, which will help keep soil from compacting. Place a couple of shovels of mix in hole over amendments and form a mound.
- ROSE SELECTION:
- Buy only #1 grade roses as these have the best chance to get established and survive our summer heat.
- Buy and plant bare-root roses from January to mid-February. Make sure each bush has 3 strong, healthy canes. Reject those with fewer canes or roots that are spindly.
- Do not buy roses that have been dipped in wax or bare-root roses that have started to leaf out.
- Buy rose varieties that do well in the desert. Potted roses should be in the ground by late March to get established before summer heat.
- Before planting, any dead leaves and thin or decayed shoots need to be cut off. Any damaged or very long roots also need to be trimmed. Soak bare-root roses in water about 10-12 hours to restore moisture in the roots before planting and water the soil before planting as well. Make sure the hole you have dug is large enough for the root growth of the rose. Also it is a good idea to use compost or mulch. After all, roses like extra nutrients just like any other plant.
- SITE SELECTION:
- Roses do best with at least six hours of sun a day. East exposure is ideal as this gives protection from hot afternoon sun.
- Plant away from large trees or shrubs that would compete for food, water, and sun.
- Check soil for good drainage.
- Most standard roses should be placed at least 3-4′ apart, miniatures 18-24″ apart.
- Fertilizing. Roses need the same things as other plants; they are just a bit needier. One of the most important things to remember in rose gardening is that roses are heavy feeders and will need several fertilizer applications. Fertilizing should be started in early spring and discontinued in early fall. Make sure not to over-fertilize (fertilize should come with instructions) and water after each feeding. Roses require large amounts of water; a thorough watering twice a week should be enough.
- Pruning is an essential part to flower gardening. It increases blooms and encourages healthy plant growth. Different varieties of roses have different instructions for pruning, so you might want to read up on your rose types and see what is suggested.
The main thing to remember in rose gardening is to water, water, and water some more. One other thing about rose gardening is the amount of fertilizer and nutrients you will need to use, and the pruning that needs to be done to keep your roses under control and healthy. Even though rose gardening takes a little more time and roses are more work, they are one of the most unique and beautiful plants, and definitely worth the extra work. Hope you like this article Rose Gardening For Beginners.
Source : https://rosegarden.mesacc.edu/documents/growingrosesinthedesertsouthwest.pdf