ROSE GROWING TIPS FROM PETAL PUSHERS

  GARDEN EMPORIUM  

If you have looked over our selection of roses, you have discovered that we specialize in old garden roses (sometimes referred to as “Antique Roses”), along with many proven winners such as David Austin English Roses, Earthkind Roses, Texas Pioneer Roses, and selections from Dr. Griffith Buck.  We believe by offering this exciting collection of roses for your garden that you will discover the charm and easy care that these varieties provide.  We have put together a few suggestions to get you started, however we are always happy to provide you with one- on-one service by speaking with one of our qualified staff.  We hope you enjoy your purchase for many years to come. 

PLANTING AND CARE SUGGESTIONS

Location:  Select a site that gets at least 5 to 6 hours of sun a day.  Morning sun is preferred to evening sun, but both will work.  Don’t fool yourself into believing that roses will grow in the shade or partial shade.  They will indeed grow, but they will not provide you with many healthy leaves and even fewer blooms. 

Drainage:  Roses do not like “wet feet” so look for a spot that has good drainage. The ideal situation is to make a raised bed; however that is not necessary to grow these wonderful roses.

Air Circulation:  This is essential to growing healthy roses.  Avoid planting roses in small, enclosed areas or courtyard where the poor air circulation will cause fungal disease and problems.

Soil:  Probably one of the most important factors, in addition to proper selection (such as Old Garden Roses vs. Modern Hybrid varieties).  This rose is hopefully going to be enjoying many years in this location. Soil is always the major factor in getting any rose or perennial started on the right foot.  Don’t skimp in soil prep.  If you are starting a new bed, we suggest that you remove any unwanted grown cover or grass, till the area as deeply as you can, and then add 6 to 8 inches of good compost.  The addition of lava sand, green sand, molasses and corn meal is “icing on the cake” and will really get everything going well.  If you are just adding and old garden rose into a particular spot, dig the hole twice as wide and twice as deep as the container.  Plant roses the same depth in the soil as they were in the container.  Combine the soil that you have removed with a well-aged organic matter at the rate of 50/50.    

 We offer a wonderful soil addition called Rose Bed Prep and that mixed in with the compost will really get you off to a good start.  Another suggestion is to plant “wet-to-wet”, which means we suggest that you moisten the planting bed or hole first, then soak the root ball of the plant in a solution of liquid seaweed or Bio-Form (two tablespoons per gallon of water).  Place the saturated root ball into the moist planning bed and backfill.  Settle the soil with water.  Never compact the soil with your foot. Finish off by watering the plant with more liquid seaweed or Bio-Form.  Mulch your rose with an l inch layer of compost and then top dress with your favorite mulch.  Two to three inches of mulch is recommended.  Avoid piling mulch on the stems of the plants.  The mulch helps to retain moisture and cover the bare soil to guard against disease splashing onto the leaves when watering.