Rose is one of my favorite flower, and many of you might also agree with me. But many of us had felt the difficulty in cultivating roses earlier in gardening endeavor. But as per the experts roses are one of the most resilient plants you can put into landscaping. This article will put some of the techniques which will definitely increase your success rate.
There are many varieties of plants available before planting choose the variety which is the most suitable for your local climate. For this you can check your local nurseries.
The pH range ideal for roses is between 5.5 to 7. In case the soil is more acidic you can add lime stones to bring it to this level. If the soil level is less acidic try mixing peat moss or growing media to make it to that level.
Roses need minimum 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight. So plant them accordingly. Lack of sunlight will weaken your plant.
At the time of transplanting you need to dig a big hole(at about 15 inch wide). Add compost. It is very important not to crowd your rose plant.
Roses requires plenty of water. So water regularly and make sure they don’t die out of thirst. Don’t sprinkle the water. It can cause the water to stay in the outer soil only and will not reach the main root which is deep in the soil. Sprinkling of water can also cause fungal growth. Also make sure that the water drains really well. Too wet soil can also be very harmful. For more information on watering read my early blog water the important but neglected factor in gardening.
You can also use mulch to prevent the water loss specially during summer.
Unlike some other plants discussed earlier, roses need good amount of feeding. So regularly add nutrients in the form of organic fertilizers. At the beginning of a summer season add some Epsom salt. This will boost the magnesium and sulfur needs of the the plant.
Pruning is very important for Roses. Cut out any dead branches and weak sub branches. Make sure air can flow freely through the plant. It will also help the plant look much more aesthetically good than a crazy mess of branches. Pruning always help to bring back strength to the main branches of the plant.
In case you are growing roses in the container, fertilizing becomes very important. As the roots of the plant cannot reach further into the soil in search of food you need to provide them regularly. But be aware of over-fertilizing. It causes the plants to yield lesser flower sometimes with root injury can actually kill the plant. One of the best option in this dilemma is to provide slow releasing fertilizers.
A word of caution: rose plants have thorn in them. So while pruning or any other activities wear gloves and eye glasses to protect yourself.
Do you want to add any other point? please mention it in the comment below.
