Easy Rose Bush Care

Roses can be one of the simplest of plants and provide the most beauty to a garden.  There is also an incredible diversity in the types of roses that can be planted and enjoyed.  You only need to remember three things to achieve successful rose caring.  They are the type or variety you select, how much and how often to feed and water, and last but not the least is pruning.  I would suggest getting a guide such as The Ultimate Book of Roses.  It is a well written guide and very easy to understand with lots of tips on growing fabulous blooms.

It is vital that you choose the right rose variety.  You want to choose a rose bush that will do well in your climate zone and in your yard in particular.  Several of the rose varieties can be prone to disease and fungus and can continually give the owner problems.  But there are several types that are generally quite hardy and need very little rose bush care.  Plant the rose bushes about 3 to 4 feet apart to allow enough room for them to flourish. Also, find a location that receives adequate sun.

The appropriate amount of watering and feeding is a necessary ingredient for successful rose bush caring. It is recommended that one saturate the root in the morning being careful not to shower the plant or blooms.  If it is a newly planted rose bush it should be well soaked everyday for at least the first couple of weeks.  After two weeks watering once a week is fine unless you live in a very hot climate.  Mulch, bark or straw can be placed around the roses bushes to keep the soil moist and discourage weed growth.

Feeding or fertilizing should be done about once a month particularly in the Spring, Summer and Fall.  Roses should receive rose food that has a blend of manure and fish emulsion. It is not recommended to feed or fertilize during the cold winter months.   

When it comes to rose bush care pruning is probably one of the most misunderstood techniques.  Only prune when their is a dead or dying branch or flower.  To boost growth and blooms, count up from the branch three nodes (the small reddish growth lines) and cut there. Prune back your plants in January or February to promote maximum spring growth.

Again, The Book of Roses guide has delightful descriptions with beautiful photographs of the different rose varieties as well as much more information.