It’s Time to Plant Roses in the Garden
Choosing the Right Soil and Location for Roses
Roses prefer a clay soil with some organic compost added to the planting hole. Sandy soil requires plenty of good compost added before planting a rose, to help retain water. Roses planted in containers on a sunny patio need a large deep container with plenty of drainage holes and a good quality enriched compost.
All varieties of rose need to be positioned in full sunshine with at least 6 hours of sun a day. A thorough deep watering once a week followed by a thick mulch of compost around the base of the rose, avoiding any touching the stem, will help prevent the plant from drying out.
Feeding with rose fertiliser and deadheading regularly when the rose is in flower during September to April will keep the plant healthy and looking its best. Winter is also an ideal time to prune any established roses in the garden while they are dormant, for a glorious display the following season.
Caring for Your Roses and Preventing Pests
Red spider mite can attack roses during the growing season, so to protect the plant, spray the underside of the leaves with a strong jet of water from a hose every 2/3 days to wash the mites off.
Aphids can also be an unwelcome pest and can be moved by this method as well or alternatively, a homemade deterrent of water mixed with a little washing-up liquid sprayed on the leaves and flowers will do the trick. Onions and thyme underplanted around the roses will also deter invading pests.
Types of Roses to Consider
Floribunda roses have several different blooms on one stem and make a fabulous feature if planted in groups.
Shrub roses have single blooms, and some varieties are quite drought-tolerant.
Climbing roses are a great addition to a small garden or patio area, trained along walls, trellises, and obelisks.
