Question by Suzanne: YPA: I just planted several climbing roses in my back yard …?
The planting directions suggest waiting a month, then sprinkling epsom salts around the base of each plant. What purpose does this serve?
How long will it be before these roses bloom? Right now, they’re only about 1 1/2 feet tall. (I’m thinking it’ll be at least two years?)
And finally, it’s my understanding that minimal pruning is necessary. Any suggestions or tips? I live in hardiness zone 6a.
Best answer:
Answer by walkssoftly
First, epsom salt. It keeps the bugs away.
Roses like acidic soil. I feed mine monthly with cold coffee grounds. This acidifies the soil and is a natural bug repellant. Afids are awful!
The roses, if they are happy, can easily bloom this year. I put in two and they were top heavy with blooms before the end of their first summer.
I prune my roses back rather forcefully. I take off what I don’t want to continue climbing after the first frost.
You have to watch climbers. They will overrun everything.
You can go to Ortho.com for more feeding suggestions and any nursery can instruct you on pruning.
You might also want to get Praying Mantis eggs or ladybugs to put around in the bushes. They LOVE Afids for breakfast, lunch, dinner and inbetween snacks!
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