Roses crave lots of sun and do not like their roots waterlogged. Be aware that shaded varieties still require at least 2-4 hours of sun, unlike other varieties that require at least 6 hours of full sun. Continual nutrients through their growing season will ensure that you get the most blooms for your buck, so its worth investing in rose feed – we recommend Westland’s Naturally Rich Rose Food.
Don’t plant a rose in the same spot as one that you have removed. ‘Replant Disease’ or ‘Rose Sickness’ happens when new plants with young root systems enter a soil environment of pests and pathogens, built-up over the life of the mature plant. Eventually, this will kill your rose. If you must, ensure you replace all of the soil from another area of your garden, with the addition of well-rotted manure being beneficial.
Underplant your roses to disguise their bare stems, ensuring not to plant too close to prevent competition for water and nutrients. Good pairing plants require the same conditions as roses, like lavender. As with other areas of your garden, companion planting with marigolds and geraniums can keep pests at bay.
Although horticulturalists suggest pruning your roses next to a bud at an angle, cutting your roses right back and to exactly the shape you want will not affect how many blooms will be produced. Just ensure that you are pruning in late winter, between mid-February and March.
Here are our recommendations to help you choose the best rose to suit your garden:
• Patio roses grow to about 18” high and are happy in pots and small gardens.
• Hybrid Tea produces large single flowers on long stem, perfect for adding to vases or arrangements.
• Floribunda is a traditional bush that flowers in clusters.
• Shrub roses provide big, old fashioned, simple blooms that are synonymous with the English Country garden.
• Climbing and rambling – one to mention is Zephirine Drouhin that ceases to follow many of the typical rules. A climber that thrives well in shade, with fragrant blooms and no thorns, it is also very tolerant to poor soil conditions.
• Flower carpet roses for ground cover reach a maximum of 3ft high and 5ft wide.
