How to Make Rose Bush Stems Thicker
Sturdy, thick rose stems hold their blooms upright for garden viewing from above, or for placement in a vase. However, certain kinds of roses, especially some English roses, are prone to weak, thin stems. When a genetic predisposition to weak stems is countered with appropriate planting and care, rose stems can be made to grow to their maximum thickness. Nitrogen or phosphorous deficiency contributes to weak stems. Insufficient sunlight along with too much nitrogen promotes weak, elongated stems. A properly planted rosebush in a sunny, well-draining site optimally uses nutrients for sturdier stems. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Sharp, clean bypass pruning shears
- Gardening gloves
- Organic garden mulch
- Ammonium sulfate fertilizer product
- High-phosphorous fertilizer product
Instructions
-
-
1
Examine rose bushes in early spring when new growth just begins to develop. Prune out and discard dead, weak or diseased canes and stems. Prune away and discard the remaining top third of each bush rose. Water each plant well.
-
2
Spread a layer of mulch 2 to 3 inches deep around the base of each plant. Surround each plant with a circle of mulch starting six inches from the base and extending 18 inches from the base.
-
-
3
Apply 2 tablespoons of ammonium sulfate per plant. Repeat at four-week intervals throughout the growing season, until three weeks before the date of the average first fall frost.
-
4
Work a scant 1/4 cup of high-phosphorous fertilizer into the soil around each plant in early spring. Repeat when new growth is 4 to 6 inches in length, and again after the first flowering flush of the season has faded.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Replant poorly performing rose bushes in well-draining soil in a spot that receives at least six hours of sun daily, if possible.
Increase the application of ammonium sulfate if vegetative growth is slow. Decrease if growth is overly rapid and weak.
For roses in shaded locations that have received too much nitrogen and are showing weak, overly long stems, use regular applications of a 5-10-10 (lower nitrogen) fertilizer throughout the season.
Keep roses watered with at least 1 inch of irrigation each week throughout the growing season.
Refresh mulch throughout the season as necessary.
Do not fertilize stressed or dehydrated roses.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
