Caring for Roses: A No Nonsense Guide

Roses have a reputation for being high-maintenance, but the truth is, with the right approach, they’re surprisingly tough. Here’s what you need to know to keep your roses looking strong and healthy.

1. Choose the Right Spot Roses love sunlight. Pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun a day. Morning sun is ideal because it dries the leaves early, helping prevent disease.

2. Water Deep, Not Often Forget shallow daily watering. Roses need a deep soak 2-3 times a week. Water at the base, not the leaves, to cut down on fungal issues.

3. Feed Them Well Roses are hungry plants. Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) starting in spring and continue feeding every 4-6 weeks until late summer. Stop fertilizing about 6 weeks before the first frost.

4. Mulch Like You Mean It A 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your roses locks in moisture, fights weeds, and improves the soil. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the base of the plant to avoid rot.

5. Prune Smart Pruning isn’t about hacking away. It's about shaping the plant and removing dead or weak growth. Cut back in early spring when the buds start swelling, trimming just above outward-facing buds.

6. Watch for Trouble Keep an eye out for common rose problems like black spot, powdery mildew, and aphids. Catching issues early makes them much easier to control. Neem oil and insecticidal soaps are good organic options.

7. Deadhead for More Blooms Remove faded flowers regularly. Deadheading tells the plant to keep producing more blooms instead of setting seed.

8. Give Them Space Airflow matters. Don't crowd your roses; proper spacing reduces disease risk and keeps the plants healthier.

Bottom Line Caring for roses isn't rocket science. Give them sun, water deeply, feed consistently, prune with purpose, and stay alert for pests. Follow these basics and your roses will reward you with a show worth the effort.