Basics of Caring for Rose Bushes

While there are thousands of magnificent flowers, there is unquestionably no flower as beautiful or as loved as the rose. For thousands of years, roses have been the undisputed favorite flower, grown by people all over the world. Rose bushes come in different varieties each with their specific needs. Rose bush care is not hard but it does require some attention and discipline.

Here are simple guidelines in caring for rose bushes properly.

LIGHT: Choose a sunny location to plant your rose bushes in. It is ideal to plant them in an open area where they can get plenty of natural light exposure to reach their optimum growth. Rose bushes need approximately five hours of medium strength sunlight and about seven hours of filtered sunlight per day to thrive really well.

SOIL: They also need good soil to thrive in. They grow best when the soil moisture and temperature is consistent. You can always alter the soil in your garden with a little bit of compost. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant about two inches away from the main rose cane. The organic mulch will slowly rot and add nutrients to the soil which the plant can use. Apply a second layer of organic mulch in mid-to-late summer if necessary.

AMPLE WATER: Watering requirements varies depending on conditions. But more or less, it is best to water rose bushes once a week preferably in the morning. Water them thoroughly. Make sure that the water runs through all the way down to the base of the plant and avoid getting the leaves wet as it may lead to powdery mildew, a very common disease among roses, establishing itself and harming the rose plants.

FERTILIZER: Fertilize rose bushes frequently during the growing season. They are hungry plants that demand lots of nutrients for optimum growth and flowering. For best results, use a slow-release organic rose food and work it into the soil so it can nourish the plant all season long. Otherwise, you'll want to fertilize the rose bush with a liquid organic fertilizer every three to four weeks during the growing season (stop in early autumn) or as stated on the package instructions.

PEST CONTROL: Control is easy and prevention is practical. Rose bushes are susceptible to many different kinds of detrimental insects like mites, caterpillars, Japanese beetles, and aphids to name just a few. Examining rose bushes often for signs of pests or diseases is a supreme line of defense for controlling pests. Hand pick any undesirable pests off the bushes and get rid of any discolored leaves. Apply an organic foliar spray product (some you can make yourself) at the first indication of pest infestation or disease to restrain the problem from spreading and killing the rose plant. For best rose bush care, always go with organic or all-natural products rather than those made with harmful chemicals. You will protect the good microorganisms that are beneficial for the soil by using an organic approach. Some beneficial bugs will help you with pest control like ladybugs and wasps.

DEADHEADING: Deadheading is another word for pruning. This stimulates more blooms. After rose bushes stop blooming altogether it is time to trim the bushes to shape them. Removing dead leaves and damaged branches is necessary to produce new flowering shoots and provide excellent air circulation.

Many gardeners, amateur and expert growers alike think that a garden is incomplete without at least one rose bush. When properly cared for a rose bush will yield blooms from the month of June until the first frost sets in. With proper rose bush care knowledge, along with commitment and patience a perfect bush full of a bountiful crop of beautiful roses will result and will have been well worth the effort.

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com

How to Advice .com