Things You'll Need:
- Fungicide
- Fertilizer
- Zinc chelate (optional)
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Step 1
Water your rosebushes regularly during hot weather. Water at the roots every day that the temperature reaches 90 degrees F or above, and every other day any time the temperatures are above 80 degrees F. If the rosebushes are potted, water once in the morning and once in the evening daily when temperatures are high.
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Step 2
Apply a fungicide to the rosebushes, according to the manufacturer's directions found on the packaging, once per week during hot weather. This will prevent diseases caused by high humidity, and is especially important if you live in a very humid climate. This process should be performed weekly until the last week of August.
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Step 3
Fertilize the rosebushes three times per week, using only about ¼ of the amount recommended on the packaging. Apply the fertilizer directly to the ground around your rosebushes, and make sure to read the manufacturer's directions carefully. By fertilizing in small amounts, you reduce the risk of burning the roots, but still keep them nourished enough to survive the hot weather. Continue this process until the last week of August.
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Step 4
Begin cutting back rosebushes in the last week of August, as this will yield more blooms in the autumn season. Cut any branches and stems that are dry or dead, or that appear to be growing inward toward the center of the bush. This also allows for more air circulation, which will prevent fungus and disease during hot weather.
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Step 5
Check your rosebushes regularly for spider mites. These parasites thrive in the hot weather, and will breed and infest rosebushes if they aren't properly cared for. Look for small brown bugs and white, dusty residue on the foliage. If you think you have spider mites, place 1 to 2 tbsp. of zinc chelate on the ground around your rose bushes, and water it in. Once it circulates to the foliage, the mites will not be able to tolerate it and will move elsewhere.
