Learn how to plant and grow the easiest rose varieties for the best blooms all season long.
Roses are prized for their many colors, and some have beautiful scents.
The sizes of rose blooms range from small and compact to large and lush.
Credit: Richard Baer
Nearly all rose varieties have thorns.
Yes, and these perennials are excellent additions to home landscapes.
The three main types of roses areshrubs,climbers, and ramblers.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Roses are sometimes considered difficult to grow and care for since they require regular pruning and maintenance.
All roses grow best in full sun with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Roses preferslightly acidic soil (6-7 pH).
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
Shrub roses are available to grow all over the country.
Dig a hole big and wide enough to fit the entire root systemroses dont like to be crowded.
Also, plant rose bushes at least 3 feet apart to allow for growth.
Start by digging a hole about twice as wide (but no deeper) than the roses pot.
Take the rosebush out of the container and loosen the roots.
Spread roots out if theyre growing in circles around the root ball.
The breathtaking aroma is why roses are often used in perfumes.
Fortunately, thats not the case anymore, as intense fragrance is just as important as other characteristics.
Take a sniff at the nursery to see which fragrance combination appeals to you most.
Many newer roses have been bred to need less maintenance and attention.
While some roses may tolerate partial shade better than others, no roses like full shade.
Your soil may needmanure or organic compostfor your plants to flourish.
Keep watering them for the first few weeks in your garden.
Use a soaker hose to wateritll keep the leaves dry, which helps your roses resist disease.
Wet leaves can play host todiseasesthat make foliage fall off the plants.
Temperature and Humidity
Roses have some trouble with very high heat and humidity.
High temperatures can also bring pests that can damage your flowers.
If you live in a northern region, you will probably need toprotect your roses during winter.
Rose cones: Protect roses with foam cones.
First, mound soil over the rose crown, then cover the entire plant with the cone.
However, if youre cursed with poor soil or are growing roses in containers, fertilizing can be helpful.
In most cases, all you need is a general-purpose garden fertilizer.
Over-fertilization may cause your roses to produce fewer flowers and suffer root injury, or even kill the plants.
One easy solution is to use slow-release plant food.
Pruning
Pruning keeps your rosebushes lush, healthy, and constantly blooming.
Most gardenersprune rosesin the early spring when the leaves start to bud.
As you do this, cut out any dead branches and small, weak canes.
Unlike old-fashioned roses, shrub roses dont need muchdeadheading.
The process of potting and repotting roses is similar to planting them in the ground.
The best types of roses for potting are miniature and groundcover.
Climbing roses wont do well when potted.
Deer: Despite their prickly thorns, deer love to munch on roses.
Rosette disease: This is a serious problem that spreads throughout regions.
If you suspect this is a problem in your garden, contact Roserosette.org for advice and help.
There aretreatments for these problemsand others that rose growers may encounter.
It can take a few months for roots to grow and a few years for the plant to flourish.
They also look good sprinkled among other perennials or shrubs.Knock Out rosehas a faint floral smell.
Drift Rose
Drift rose is a newer variety of shrub rose that grows tiny roses.
These roses are also great incorporated into a flowerbed of herbs, annuals, and perennials.
Easy Elegance Roses
Easy Elegance roses are known for their fragrance and easy-care qualities.
These roses are bred to be disease-resistant and able to stand up to weather extremes.
A sunny spot in the garden and minimal care are all these plants need to look their best.
Easy Elegance Yellow Brick rose has a beautiful classic fragrance.
Rose Companion Plants
Roses do well with other plants that love full sun.
Heliotrope(Heliotropium):A sweet-scented flower with purple or blue blooms.
Lantana(Lantana):A sun-loving flower with small buds that attract birds.
It comes in many colors.
Verbena(Verbena):An annual that grows well in containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes, roses dont bloom because theyre not getting enough sunlight.
ensure no shade covers your roses during at least six hours a day.
Take a look at the fertilizer youre using.
Too much nitrogen can encourage roses to produce greenery instead of blooms.
Use a fertilizer specifically for roses for the best results.
If your roses look unhealthy, they may be infected with a disease that needs treating.
Talk to a garden expert at your local home store to see if they have suggestions.
Yes, you’re free to.
Plant roses indoors in January or February, when the plants are dormant.
Water them daily or every other day, and fertilize regularly.
The best indoor temperature for roses is between 60F and 75F degrees.
If your home has dry air, aplant humidifieris a good idea.
Climbing roses can grow quite big, so a sturdy trellis or a wall are the best options.
Transplant a rose when it is dormant and the soil is workableeither in the fall or early spring.
