How to Make Rose Bushes Bloom
When all is right in the world of rose bushes, they will thank you by blooming. If they do not bloom, they are telling you that something is wrong: with their setting, with what you are doing or with the rose bushes themselves. Before selecting a rose bush for your garden, learn about the basic needs of roses and meet them. They do not ask for very much, but they are rather particular, prima donnas in a sense, so handle them accordingly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Only if planting:
- Rose bush(es)
- Planting tools
- Irrigation drip system (optional)
- Fertilizer such as Bayer Systemic
- Water hose
- Garden shears
Instructions
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Start by planting rose bushes where they will receive a guaranteed six or more hours of daily sunshine, because roses respond very well to heat. They will reward you with an abundance of buds and flowers.
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Do not plant rose bushes too close to each other because they thrive and bloom when they have good air circulation. Allow at least 6 inches to 1 foot of space between a rose bush and any other plant in the vicinity, or between the rose bush and the fence. Read the description that accompanies the rose bush and note the estimated final size before planting it.
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Don't over water rose bushes by saturating the soil around them--no fire hose watering for roses, ever. They will not do well if their roots are sitting in too much water. An irrigation drip system is the ideal way to water roses because the amount of water is measured and seeps gradually into the soil. Alternatively, use the water hose sparingly, and also avoid watering the leaves.
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Fertilize rose bushes on a regular basis to encourage blooms. A slow-release fertilizer like Bayer Systemic also protects against insect infestation. Read the instructions on the fertilizer container because they provide specific information about how frequently to fertilize as well as the correct quantity of fertilizer to use.
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Cut off spent roses by their stems at the points where there are clusters of 5 leaves as opposed to the points where there are clusters of just 3 or fewer leaves. Cut just above the joint. This will stimulate growth of more buds and flowers.
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Tips & Warnings
When you buy a rose plant in a container from a garden center as opposed to bare-root, the advantage is that you can see what the roses look like in bloom. It is also easier to compare and contrast among different rose plants if you are trying to decide on just one or two. If in doubt, talk to the people at the garden center, employees and other customers alike. Chances are they can offer insight and advice.
Be careful when using any chemicals or sharp objects like garden shears as you work on your rose bushes, especially if you have young children or pets around. Never leave shears or chemical containers open or unattended where children or pets can get to them.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Maureen Katemopoulos
