Five Key Tips to Grow Roses In Your Yard | The African Exponent.

Roses are one of the most beloved perennials. With the proper care, the shrubs will brighten up any garden. They also make for great gifts because they continue to bloom.

If you are thinking about growing roses for the first time, the process may seem daunting. Roses have a reputation for being difficult to care for, but in reality, these fragrant plants are tougher than you might think.

By following these five tips, you will grow roses that will be the envy of all your neighbors. You will ensure your rose bushes are healthy to year-round.

Read on to hear how you can have roses that flourish with minimal amounts of effort.

1. Plant Roses for Optimal Growth

Before you plant roses, you will need to think about an ideal location. Your rose bushes will require six to eight hours of sunlight each day. This should be considered when you choose a site to plant rose bushes.

Your roses will also require space to grow. Ensure the garden plot is clean and spacious. Small shrubs should be planted roughly 30 inches apart, while large shrubs should be 35 inches apart.

Make sure you plant roses using well-drained soil. The shrubs should be planted approximately two feet deep. This will ensure the roots are properly covered.

You should also mix the soil with a fertilizer like manure or compost to ensure the roses have the proper nutrients to thrive. Bare-root roses should be soaked in a bucket of water for eight to twelve hours before being planted.

When growing roses, aim to plant dormant roses during the early spring or fall. Potted shrubs can be planted in the spring.

2. Use Mulch to Grow Roses

When you grow rose bushes, make sure you add organic mulch. This will help keep the weeds at bay.

Mulch also assists with healthy watering. It will slow down the process in which moisture escapes from the roots.

It will also help to reduce the water that splashes on leaves. This will prevent fungal and foliage diseases from impacting your rose bushes.

When looking for organic mulch, there are several options. Bark dust is one of the easiest to find. Apply a two to three inch layer of mulch at the base of the plant.

Before applying the mulch, make sure the roses are free of any stray leaves or weeds. It’s best to apply mulch to your soil in the spring, shortly after you plant rose bushes in the garden.

3. Water Your Roses

Roses require frequent watering in order to flourish. This is one of the most important tips for growing roses.

Unless you live in an area that gets a lot of rainfall, your roses will likely need five gallons of water every week.

But it is also crucial to prevent overwatering as excess moisture can create disease. Moisten the soil directly, but don’t soak it. Always thrive to keep the foliage of your shrub dry.

Water your garden frequently with a gentle sprinkling of water. Aim the water low to the ground at the root level, keeping the rest of the rose bush from getting wet. Reduce the amount of water you give your rose bush towards the end of the season, as this will help prevent fungus at the root.

4. Inspect Your Growing Roses

Monitor your growing rose bushes consistently. Look for signs of disease or infestation.

These problems can be deadly for your rose bushes. But they will be much easier to manage if you notice them early.

Black spots or powdery mildew are examples of fungal diseases often caused by too much moisture on the foliage of the rose bush. It can also be caused by improper spacing. Some people will spray rose bushes with lime sulfur, which helps to shut down spores of fungus.

Common Rose Plant Pests include aphids, caterpillars, spider mites, and scale insects. Examine the leaves of your roses and look for larvae, curling, wilting, holes, discoloration, cottony masses, or webbing. You can prevent infestations by planting garlic near your growing roses, but if you need to eliminate pests, you can use a natural remedy made from dish soap.

You should also make sure your roses continue to have space to grow. Remove any unwanted trees or foliage that has overgrown around your shrubs. This can impact how well your rose bushes grow.

5. Prune and Deadhead Your Rose Bushes

It’s important to prune your roses before winter and early in the spring. This will help prepare the rose bush and stimulate growth for healthy blooms.

If you prune in early spring, be sure to remove any diseased or dead branches. Prune the rose bush into a shape that resembles a vase. This will allow for better airflow and ultimately, better growth.

You should also prune for any weak growth. Consistently remove deadheads to make way for new blooms. Remove the flower head by cutting the stem right above the first leaf.

This will allow your rose bush to continue to produce new blooms.

Prune your plant once more as fall approaches. This will help encourage airflow and eliminate any dead branches. The plant will be fresh and ready for new growth.

Follow These Helpful Tips for Growing Roses

If you’ve decided to grow roses for the first time, you may be wondering where to start. Although it’s widely accepted that rose bushes require a lot of maintenance, they are actually quite easy to take care of.

By following the five key tips shared in this guide, you will grow roses that are healthy and strong.

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