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Planting and Care of Roses

Few plants are more difficult among the more popular garden plants than roses. They can be as problematic as they are beautiful. However, following a few good guidelines can make rose cultivation a little easier and rewarding.Starting with the right species of rose is important. Having a friend give you one of their own root roses can often lead to inferior quality. It is usually better to get a rose that is budded or grafted from your local independent nursery or garden center. Also, the rosarian at your local nursery or garden center can often be the best source of information about the right species choice for your part of the country.Roses usually prefer direct sunlight for a good portion of the day. Make sure you select an open spot, or at least one that gets morning sun. The hot afternoon sun should be avoided if possible, especially on hotter climates.Roses, like most plants, will prosper in better soils. It should be well-drained, but also be able to hold enough moisture to supply the rose plant. A good amount of organic material in the soil is critical to the plant’s success. If you are building your rose soil, be sure to go at least twelve inches deep. The soil’s pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5. if outside that range, make the appropriate adjustment.Don’t overplant roses. They should not be planted deeper than the crown. The crown must be above ground. Make sure the plant has strong, healthy stems and remove weak stems before planting. Make the planting hole twice as wide as the plant ball and backfill around the rose with 50% original soil and 50% organic material or potting soil. Compact by hand, lightly watering as you go.Talk to the experts at your local garden center for the best rose fertilizer. Also, make sure you mulch your rose plants and protect them from freezing temperatures in the winter by mulching well above the crown. In very cold areas, the plants should be covered during the worst months of winter.