Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the beauty of roses in your garden. For rose enthusiasts, a weekly routine can ensure these flowers bloom continuously throughout the season. Roses are a popular choice for gardeners, but many may find that their plants produce only a few flowers. Mark Dwelly, Head Gardener at Audley Stanbridge Earls, shares his expert advice on how to care for rose bushes to achieve abundant blooms.
Pruning for More Blooms
Pruning is essential for healthy rose growth. Mark likens it to giving the plant a haircut. Ideally, you should have removed any dead or weak stems in late winter or early spring. This not only shapes the bush but also allows air to circulate through it. Additionally, he recommends safely snipping off faded flowers during the warmer months to encourage more blooms. Most new roses will flower in bursts from late spring through to autumn, provided you keep removing the old flowers. However, old-fashioned roses typically bloom only once.
Watering and Sunlight
When it comes to watering, Mark advises giving roses a thorough soak at the base once a week, especially in hot or dry weather. Avoid splashing the leaves, as wet leaves can attract problems like mildew. Roses thrive in the sun, so Mark suggests planting them where they can receive at least half a day’s worth of sunlight.
Feeding Your Roses
Roses are hungry plants that require regular feeding. Mark recommends feeding them in spring when new leaves appear and again after each major flush of flowers to replenish their nutrients. You can use specialized rose food or simply sprinkle some general garden fertilizer around the base. However, it’s important to stop feeding them in late summer to allow them to prepare for winter.
Additional Tips from a Fellow Gardening Expert
Gardening expert Michael Perry, known as Mr Plant Geek, has shared another interesting tip. He reveals that coffee and tea, which are rich in acid and high nitrogen levels, can be beneficial for the growth of roses and hydrangeas. Michael says, “Did you know that it’s not just us that can benefit from a hearty beverage? Our plants can get a kick from tea, coffee, and even milk!”
By following these expert tips, you can ensure your roses bloom beautifully all summer long.
