Rose Gardening 101

Roses have all times been appreciated for their beauty and elegancy. Since ancient times the rose is the symbol of love and prettiness. They were even identified with various goddesses of love like the Greek goddess Aphrodite or her Roman equal Venus. In Europe rose gardening was established in the 1800s, after perpetual blossoming roses were imported from China.

But in the course of time roses’ reputation has gotten a bad change for being hard to grow and maintain. If you are thinking about rose gardening don’t let this myth stop you. While rose gardening can prove to be ambitious, once you master it, it really isn’t that bad.

When you first start rose gardening, you will have to pick out what type of rose you want to plant, and no, I’m not discussing the color. You will have to choose between bare-root, pre-packaged, and container-grown roses. Bare-root roses are sold in the winter and early spring. They should be planted as soon as frosts are over and the ground is warm and workable. Pre-packaged roses are bare-root plants that are sold in a bag or box with something around the roots to keep wet, like sawdust. Container-grown roses are grown; you guessed it, in containers. They will be either budding or already in flower when they get available in the early spring.

Planting in rose gardening is not that much contrary to any other type of plant. The most significant thing, as ever, is good, healthy soil and a quality planting area. It doesn’t matter whether your roses are bare-root or container-grown, the planting ways are just as any other shrub. Make sure the spot you pick out has good drainage, gets enough of sunlight, and will not overcrowd your roses. Ahead of planting, any dead leaves and thin or rotted shoots need to be cut off. Any damaged or very long roots also need to be cut back. Soak bare-root roses in water about 10-12 hours to restore moisture in the roots before planting and water the soil before planting also. Make sure the hole you have dug is big enough for the root growth of the rose. Also it is a good idea to use compost or mulch. After all, roses like additional nutrients just like any other plant.

Roses ask for the same things as other plants; they are just a little needier. One of the most important things to think of in rose gardening is that roses are heavy feeders and will ask for numerous fertilizer applications. Fertilizing should be started in early spring and stopped in early fall. Be sure not to over-fertilize (fertilize should go with directions) and water after each feeding. Roses want big amounts of water; a exhaustive watering twice a week should be adequate.

Pruning is an necessary part to flower gardening. It increases blossoms and advances healthy plant growth. Different assortments of roses have different directions for pruning, so you might want to read up on your rose types and see what is indicated.

The main thing to recollect in rose gardening is to water, water, and water some more. One extra thing about rose gardening is the amount of fertilizer and nutrients you will need to use, and the pruning that needs to be done to keep your roses under control and healthy. Although rose gardening asks for a little more time and roses are more work, they are one of the most unique and beautiful plants, and unquestionably worth the additional work.