Dreaming of a garden filled with vibrant, fragrant roses? Growing roses can be easier than you think. Anyone can grow them successfully with just a bit of care and attention. The secret is planting roses in a sunny spot with good drainage, fertilising them regularly, and keeping the soil moist by watering them evenly. Don’t forget to prune rose bushes in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
If you’ve been hesitant to grow rose plants, here’s a comforting truth; taking care of roses isn’t any harder than caring for other flowering shrubs.
Here’s your rose growing guide by AHH Flowers, in which we’ll take you through the 10 essential rules of rose bush care. We’ll cover everything from the basics of rose plant care to the best practices for seasonal adjustments.
So, let’s explore how to grow a rose that’s healthy, vibrant, and full of life.
10 Rules for Growing and Caring for Rose Bushes
Growing roses can be simple and rewarding if you follow these golden rules:
Rule #1.
Begin with Healthy Roots – Choose the Right Rose Plant Type
Starting with healthy, well-prepared roots is the first step to growing roses that will flourish in your garden You can either opt for roses that come pre-planted in containers or go with bare-root roses. Both have their pros, so let’s break them down:
Container Roses:
Container roses are easy to handle and plant.
They are ready to grow quickly; perfect for those just getting started with rose plant care.
They come pre-potted in soil and are available at local nurseries throughout the year. This means you can plant them at the ideal time. Ideally on a cool, cloudy day to give them the best chance to grow.
Bare-root Roses:
Conversely, bare-root roses offer a wider variety of choices and are mostly more cost-effective.
They come without soil. So, it’s important to soak the roots overnight before planting. Make sure you keep the roots moist during the first few months after planting.
In the end, the choice between container and bare-root roses depends on your experience level and preferences.
Rule #2.
Find the Perfect Spot – Sunlight and Soil Matter
Roses grow effectively when they have the right balance of sunlight, soil, and protection from the elements. Here’s what you should know to find the perfect spot for your rose bush:
Sunlight is Key
Roses are sun lovers. To get the best blooms and ensure your rose bush stays healthy, they need 6 – 8 hours of sunlight every day. This will encourage vigorous growth and stunning flowers. So, pick a sunny spot in your garden that gets plenty of natural light.
Well-Drained, Nutrient-Rich Soil
Another important factor for rose plant care is the soil. Roses love well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. To boost soil health, mix in compost or organic matter before planting your roses. This will help your roses grow strong and vibrant.
Consider the Climate
In hot climates, roses do best when they’re shielded from the scorching afternoon sun. A little shade during the hottest part of the day will protect the plants from stress and sunburn.
Conversely, in colder climates, planting your roses near a south- or west-facing fence or wall can help provide some extra warmth and minimise the risk of frost damage during winter.
Rule #3.
Select the Right Rose Varieties – Less is More
With so many types available; from tiny micro-miniatures to bold grandifloras, and from groundcovers to climbing varieties, it can be tempting to plant a little bit of everything. But before you buy roses, here’s a tip:
‘Less is more when creating a beautiful and manageable rose garden.’
Quality Over Quantity
Instead of overcrowding your garden with too many different varieties, consider choosing just a few carefully selected rose varieties that complement each other. A well-thought-out collection of roses that work together will create a more cohesive and visually appealing garden than an assortment of mismatched plants.
Go for Low-Maintenance Options
If you want to enjoy the beauty of roses without the heavy maintenance, look into shrub roses or landscape roses. For example, Rigo-Roses® received the ADR label, the highest award for garden roses. These roses are hardy, disease-resistant, and need less attention while still delivering beautiful blooms.
Rule #4.
Time the Planting Perfectly – Spring or Fall is Best
The right time for planting ensures that your roses have enough time to establish their roots before facing harsh weather. Here’s what you need to know about planting roses:
The best rose planting seasons are ‘Spring’ and ‘Fall’.
Spring planting gives your roses the whole growing season to establish strong roots and flourish. Whereas, fall planting allows the roses to settle in before they go dormant during the colder months, making it easier for them to thrive when spring arrives.
If you’re choosing bare-root roses, plant them as soon as possible after purchasing them. These are typically available in early spring, and they should be planted soon after you bring them home. Whereas, container roses offer more flexibility when it comes to timing. You can plant them at various points throughout the growing season. But keep in mind that the best time is still in spring or fall.
Rule #5.
Plant Your Roses the Right Way
Planting your bare-root or container roses correctly is one of the most important steps for ensuring they get a strong, healthy start. Here’s how to do it right:
Prepare the Planting Hole
Make sure the planting hole is deep and wide enough to accommodate the plant’s roots without crowding. Roses don’t like wet feet, so good drainage is essential for healthy root growth.
Mix the Soil
Mix a generous amount of garden compost, peat moss, or other organic matter with the soil you removed from the planting hole. This organic mix adds nutrients that will support your rose’s growth. Place some of this mixture at the bottom of the hole to help the roots establish easily.
Set the Rose Bush at the Right Depth
The rose plant care method changes depending on the climate:
- In mild climates, the plant’s crown (where the roots meet the stem) should be level with the ground.
- In colder climates, plant the crown 2 to 3 inches below ground level. This extra depth helps protect the rose from frost damage.
Add Fertiliser and Finish Filling the Hole
Once the rose is in place, fill the hole partially with the soil mixture. Add a slow-release fertiliser to give your rose a nutrient boost. Afterward, continue filling the hole with the rest of the soil. Make sure the plant is stable and upright.
Water Thoroughly
Water the rose well to settle the soil around the roots. Then, mound loose soil around the canes to protect them while the plant adjusts to its new home.
Space Your Roses Correctly
If you’re planting several rose bushes together, make sure to space them at least 3 feet apart. This provides enough room for growth as they mature.
Rule #6.
Fertilise Roses Regularly to Keep Them Happy
Regular fertilising is a simple but essential part of growing healthy roses. A steady supply of nutrients ensures your roses have everything they need to produce vibrant flowers and lush foliage. Here’s how to do it properly:
Organic Fertilisers – A Natural Boost
Organic fertilisers, like compost and composted manure, provide a slow and steady release of nutrients. These natural amendments help encourage beneficial soil microbes that promote a healthy and balanced soil pH. An organic fish emulsion or Charlie Carp certified organic fertiliser are excellent choices for rose plant care. As they give your roses the nourishment, they need without overloading them with chemicals.
Slow-Release Fertilisers – A Convenient Option
For a more hands-off approach, you can use slow-release fertilisers like Jobe’s Organic Fertiliser Spikes. These provide the perfect balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other minor nutrients, offering your roses the consistent nourishment they need for steady growth throughout the season.
- Wondering When to Fertilise Roses?
- For newly planted bare-root roses, apply organic amendments to the soil when planting. But wait until the rose bush produces its first blooms before applying full-strength fertilisers. This prevents you from over-fertilising and potentially damaging the new roots.
- For established roses, fertilise once a month during the growing season. Especially in spring and summer when roses are actively blooming. This will help them produce an impressive show of flowers and keep them growing strong.
Rule #7.
Water Wisely – Hydrate Your Roses the Right Way
Proper watering is vital for rose plant care. And it’s just as much about how you water as it is about how much.
How Much Water Do Roses Need?
During the growing season, roses generally need about 1 inch of rainfall per week. Depending on your soil type and climate, this amount can vary slightly. If you live in a hot, dry climate, you’ll likely need to water more frequently to keep the soil from drying out.
Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season. Avoid letting it dry out completely, as this can stress your rose plants. At the same time, don’t overwater, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot.
Rose Watering Techniques – Focus on the Roots!
Wetting the foliage can lead to fungal diseases like powdery mildew or black spot. So, it’s best to avoid getting water on the leaves. To water your roses efficiently you can use:
- Soaker hose that delivers water directly to the soil at a slow, steady rate.
- Watering can with a long spout to direct the water straight to the base of the plant. It ensures that water reaches the roots.
- Watering wand to get water exactly where it’s needed – at the soil level.
Rule #8.
Prune like an Expert
Pruning is a key part of rose care. It not only helps shape the plant, but it also promotes healthy growth and more beautiful blooms. Here’s how to prune your roses like a pro:
Use the right Pruning Tools for the Job
- Bypass pruners are the ideal tool for pruning roses because they make clean cuts without crushing the stems. Avoid anvil-style pruners, as they can damage the plant.
- Rose pruning gloves protect your hands from thorns while making the pruning process smoother.
Start with the Dead and Damaged Canes First
These canes will be brown in colour and mostly look dried out. Trim them back to healthy tissue to help the plant focus its energy on fresh growth.
Timing is Everything – When to Prune Rose Plants
For most roses, major pruning should be done in early spring, just as the plant begins to wake up from dormancy. If your rose needs more severe pruning:
- Cut back a third to half of the previous year’s growth.
- Make sure to cut until you reach the healthy, white center inside the cane. This ensures you’re trimming to a living part of the plant that can regrow.
Keep It Light – Trim Regularly
You can lightly prune your roses throughout the season to maintain their shape and encourage fresh growth. A simple trim here and there will keep the plant well-groomed and promote more flowers.
Deadheading for More Blooms
Many reblooming roses benefit from deadheading; removing spent flowers to encourage new growth. To deadhead, cut the spent blooms back to the first five-leaflet stem. This will help trigger new blooms and keep your bush looking neat.
For ‘self-cleaning roses’, you don’t need to worry about deadheading. These varieties naturally drop their spent blooms, so they keep producing fresh flowers without any extra effort on your part.
Rule #9.
Protect Your Roses from Pests and Diseases
Rose diseases can be a concern. But there are simple steps you can take to prevent and manage these issues:
Choose Disease-Resistant Rose Varieties
Some of the most common rose diseases are ‘powdery mildew’ and ‘black spot’.
The easiest way to protect your roses from these diseases is by selecting disease-resistant varieties, as they are less likely to fall victim.
Fight Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that commonly affects roses during summer. Especially when days are hot and dry, and nights are cool and damp. The signs of powdery mildew include:
- Twisted, curled leaves
- White, powdery coating on the leaves
To prevent powdery mildew:
- Water your roses at ground level in the morning, ensuring the leaves stay dry.
- Avoid wetting the leaves at night, as this provides an ideal breeding ground for mildew.
- Prune your rose bush to improve air circulation through the foliage. This helps reduce the moisture that mildew thrives on.
Prevent and Treat Black Spot
Black spot is a waterborne fungal disease that causes black or brown circular spots to appear on the top side of leaves. It starts at the bottom of the bush and works its way up, causing the leaves to fall off.
To keep black spot away:
- Ensure good air circulation around the plant.
- Water at ground level to keep the leaves dry.
- Use a mixture of baking soda and horticultural oil to treat and prevent the spread of black spot.
- Alternatively, you can use an organic 3-in-1 fungicide for added protection.
Manage Pests on Your Roses
Insects like aphids, Japanese beetles, spider mites, and sawflies love to feast on rose bushes. Here’s how to handle them:
- Aphids: A simple blast of water from a hose in the morning can usually take care of aphids.
- Japanese beetles, spider mites, and sawflies: Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to keep these pests in check.
- Companion planting: Consider planting alliums (like garlic and onions) near your roses to naturally repel aphids.
Rule #10.
Display with Pride – Make Your Roses Last
One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of your roses is by cutting them fresh from your garden and bringing them indoors. There’s nothing quite like the joy of admiring your own hand-picked blooms in a vase or a bouquet. But, to ensure your cut roses stay vibrant for as long as possible, follow these tips to preserve their beauty:
- Snip roses just after the bud stage when petals begin to open for the longest-lasting blooms.
- Clean cuts with sharp pruners help stems absorb water effectively.
- Harvest roses in the morning or evening when they’re most hydrated—avoid the midday heat.
- Trim stems at a 45-degree angle before placing them in water to improve water absorption.
- Strip leaves below the waterline to prevent rot and bacterial growth, but keep foliage above for hydration.
- Replace vase water daily and recut stems every few days to keep roses fresh and stunning.
Seasonal Rose Care | Quick Tips
Caring for roses throughout the year ensures healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Here are some quick tips to help your roses grow and thrive.
Rose Plant Care in Winters and Summers
Care Aspect | Winter Rose Care | Summer Rose Care |
Planting | Best to plant bare-root roses during winter. | Avoid planting in summer; it’s harder for roses to establish roots. |
Transplanting | Winter is ideal for transplanting established roses. Repot large potted roses every 2-3 years. | Avoid major transplanting in summer to prevent stress. |
Watering | Water sparingly when soil is dry. | Water deeply 2-3 times per week, especially in dry heat. |
Pruning | Prune established roses after the last frost in mid-late winter. Use Lime Sulphur for treatment. | Prune once-flowering roses (e.g., Albertine, Banksia) and trim dieback. |
Ties and Stakes | Check ties on climbing and standard roses. Ensure stakes are stable. Replace if necessary. | Continue tying climbing roses and keep canes horizontal for better blooms. |
Mulching | Mulch beds before spring to retain moisture. | Top up mulch to keep soil cool and moist. Apply a 5–8 cm layer of organic mulch. |
Fertilizing | No fertilising needed in winter. | Fertilise every 4-6 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Avoid in March. |
Pest Control | Monitor for pests and treat as necessary. | Spray regularly to prevent pests like spider mites. |
So, are you ready to start Growing Healthy Roses in your garden? With these tips in hand, you can confidently care for roses no matter the season.
Happy gardening! May your rose bushes bloom beautifully all year long.
We Bring Elegance to Every Moment with Vibrant Rose Bouquets
At AHH Flowers, we love roses. They are not only beautiful in the garden but also make stunning additions to any bouquet. Be it a wedding, birthday, anniversary, or just because, our modern floral arrangements are made for every occasion that calls for a touch of beauty and sophistication.
Our expertise in rose plant care means that we only use the freshest, highest-quality roses in all our arrangements. When you buy flower bouquet from us, you’re getting the best blooms for every occasion.
