Growing Beautiful Roses

General Information

v  Remove weeds and grasses.

v  Improve soil by digging in plenty of organic matter such as compost or manure.

v  Choose a spot that gets at least five hours of sunlight throughout the day.

v  In mid to late winter, cut plants back by one third, removing all flowers, leaves and dead stems.

Soil

Roses prefer a soil which has a good water holding capacity but is never waterlogged. A clay loam is ideal, but roses will grow in most soils. Improve light soils by digging in plenty of compost and prepare the ground by deep digging prior to planting. If drainage is a problem, try raised beds (at least 30 cm above ground level).

Feeding

Roses will grow in most soils with good results. It is often said that roses prefer clay soils. No plants like heavy clay soils, although roses will tolerate clay more than many other plants. The use of a liquid clay breaker such as Multi crop

 ‘Ground Breaker’ will be of benefit. Plus the addition of washed river sand, well-rotted organic matter such as composted cow manure will lighten heavy soils. Good drainage is vital. DO NOT put fresh animal manures or chemical fertilizers near the roots at planting time; these can cause severe root damage. If planting where roses have been grown previously it is vital to remove all the existing soil, say a barrow-full and replace. This will overcome a disease known as ‘rose sickness’ that can remain in the soil.

·         Feed with Yates Dynamic Lifter every 8 and 10 weeks during spring, summer and autumn.

·         Improve flowering and disease resistance by applying Yates Uplift every two weeks.

Position

Roses love lots of sun, but they will be fine with some afternoon shade. Most roses won’t do well in a very cold, windy position, but they do need good ventilation.