How to Care for Rosebushes

So you’ve planted your rosebushes. Now it’s time to maintain them to ensure fuller and healthier growth. Here are some clear and simple steps you can take to make sure your rosebushes grow lush and beautiful for the next blooming period.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pruning shears
• Clippers
• Water hose
• Fertilizer
• Mulch
• Spray bottle

1. Roses require lots of water to encourage healthy growth. There are no set limits as to how much watering roses require, though. It depends on the soil and the environment in which you live. If you live in an area that has fewer rain cycles, then deep water the bushes, usually 4 to 5 gallons. Soil types also affect how much water your plants will require. Check your local nursery to determine the amount you ought to water your bushes.

2. Fertilize your soil regularly. Roses require generous amounts of feed in order to bloom healthily. Choose fertilizer that has at least 14 percent of nitrogen in it. Use both soluble and quick-release nitrogen for your roses. Soluble feeds nitrogen continuously into the soil over a period of three to four months, while quick-release feeds it into the soil in quick bursts. Soluble allows the nutrients to feed the bushes over a longer period, while quick-release can be used during blooming period to advance quick blooming.

3. Prune your rosebushes regularly. Trim back dead or diseased plant growth. This will create space for healthier blooms to grow.

4. Dig up any weeds growing around your bushes. Weeds are the enemies of roses because they hoard nutrients and water from the soil. Use an extra layer of mulch to prevent the growth of weeds.

5. Spray insect repellent on the leaves of the roses. This will prevent insect infestation. Also check for diseases and take the necessary steps to treat them before they grow worse. Check online or with your local nursery to spot what types of diseases that your bushes can contract and the ways you can repair the health of your roses.

Tips & Warnings

• Try using organic products to care for your roses. Not only will organic materials provide for much healthier roses, but they are also eco-friendly. Organic mulch or insect repellent works favorably with roses.
• Make sure your roses get lots of sunlight. Before maintenance, plant them in areas where sunlight is easily accessible.
• Don’t water your bushes to excess. Only feed enough for your roses to thrive. Too much water will lead to soil erosion.
• Don't water the leaves. The moisture creates a petri dish environment for rose disease and rot. Water the ground instead.