Many insist that it is next to impossible to care for roses. These beauties have quite the reputation for being high maintenance. The truth is, roses can thrive with just the smallest effort and care if grown in the appropriate climate. Taking into consideration the climate in which they are grown will help you choose a rose assortment that will flourish under your care.
Since there are so many different varieties and some with specific needs, caring for roses can sometimes be a little tricky. For instance, the Alba, a delicate looking rose with pale colors and grayish foliage is one of the hardier varieties that can withstand harsh winters, drought and shade. The Rugosas is another type of rose that can tough it out with as little as three hours of direct sunlight per day. If you live in a hotter climate you want to look for hardy petals and shiny foliage. The Rose de Rescht and Polyantha roses are two types to consider if you live in an area with unrelenting heat.
Once you have chosen a suitable variety there are other aspects of their well being you need to recognize in order to properly care for roses. If at all possible, choose an area of your garden or yard that receives optimum sun light. This means several hours of direct sun in a plot of earth that won’t get shaded for too long a period of time as the sun’s rays shift positions. While there are certainly varieties of roses that fair well with little sun, you will need to note that these rarely bloom for any length of time.
It is essential when caring for roses to insure that they get ample amounts of water. Roses should get at least one inch of water per week. If your roses are wall climbers note that they won’t receive the benefits of rainfall that other shrub roses do. If you care for roses in drier climates it’s a good rule of thumb to increase this amount of water by 100%.
Plant your roses in neutral soil. Soil that is too sandy, is plentiful in limestone or is too acidic will cause disease and stunted growth. On the flip side, if you live in an area that has heavy clay soil it is permissible to blend in small amounts of sand. Steer clear of pesticides since these will actually smother natural organisms in the soil that contribute to the beauty and growth of your roses.
The best way to care for roses is to stay as green as possible, using only organic additives to the soil, foliage and petals. These natural elements are, after all, responsible for stronger fragrances and even protect against some diseases. This approach to the care of roses will insure that the roses are getting the cleanest, safest and best care, but you are also insuring the safety of those around you and those who are in close proximity of your supply shed.
Enjoy a green day and have fun caring for your roses.
Sponsored Links