A rose bush that is struggling to survive will bloom only sporadically if at all.
But if you follow some standard care principles, your plants should reward you with an abundant rose bloom.
After all, the exceptional blooms are really the primary reason to plant roses.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Tip
A rose shrub’s bloom period can vary by species.
But in general,roses bloom from late springall the way into early fall.
Choose a site that receives sunlight for at least six to eight hours each day.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Roses need direct sun to generate energy for abundant blooms.
Moreover, test the site’s drainage by digging an 18-inch hole and filling it with water.
If the water hasnt drained after two hours, consider building a raised bed or choosing a different site.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Roses that are planted in soggy soil are susceptible to fungal diseases and root rot.
This lightweight soil blend encourages the development of feeder roots.
After a weeks-long period of new growth in the spring, the blooming stage will begin.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
The seed production stage, in which hips form from faded blooms, follows.
And then the bush will head into its dormancy stage.
Cut back faded blooms to the first branch that has five leaves to keep the plant bushy and compact.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
These diseases weaken the entire plant, exhausting the energy needed to produce bountiful blooms.
As the season progresses and temperature and humidity increase, most roses will experience some signs of disease.
Treat these fungal diseases by spraying infected bushes with the appropriate product at the first sign of symptoms.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Some gardeners also choose to use preventative treatments at the beginning of the growing season to protect new growth.
Fungi like a moist environment.
A systemicpesticidecan protect tender new growth from aphids, mites, thrips, and whiteflies.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Organic options, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, can also be effective on rose bushes.
And they’re especially ideal when your roses are adjacent tovegetable gardensor other edible plants.
Don’t forget about attractingbeneficial insectsas an effective way to control rose pests.
Chemicals kill the good insects with the bad, creating an imbalance in the landscape that welcomes more pests.
Use pesticide sprays as a last resort, especially if the infestation isn’t severe.
A few ragged leaves won’t significantly decrease bloom count.
The first fertilizer tool should occur as the plant breaks out of dormancy in the spring.
Two more applications in mid-June and mid-July will keep the flower show going.
Stop fertilizing in August to allow the plant to prepare for winter dormancy.
Note that water-soluble fertilizer will be absorbed quickly.
But granular time-release fertilizer that you mix into the soil will provide a slower and steadier supply of nutrients.
Growing Roses.Clemson Cooperative Extension.
Rose problems: frequently asked questions.
The Royal Horticultural Society.
Rose Diseases: Identification and Management.
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.
