Roses need at least six hours of full sunlight a day., but a little shade in the extreme heat of the afternoon, and protection from strong winds, really brings out the best in roses. When you plant the roses, use Ferti-lome Root Stimulator to quickly establish a deep and effective root system. The bud union on the rose should be planted one to two inches below the soil level due to our harsh winter conditions. Mulch around the rose two to four inches deep. This will prevent weeds and conserve on water, keeping the roots moist longer. Roses need deep, consistent watering. Soak the soil to a depth of 18 inches and don’t allow it completely dry out. Deep watering makes a deep root system that is more drought resistant and more winter hardy. A drip system is the most efficient way to water deeply, but watering basins work as well. Sprinklers tend to wet the surface of the ground without soaking deeply, and sprinkling encourages certain fungus diseases such as powdery mildew. If you want your rose to bloom like crazy, it will need fertilizer. When you plant, and then every six weeks through the season, use Ferti-lome Rose and Flower Food with Systemic, which will give a light feeding, but even more importantly, will protect your rose from insect damage by taking the insecticide directly into the rose’s system. In addition, use a liquid fertilizer, such as Ferti-lome Water Soluble Plant Food,, every couple of weeks. For
really
spectacular roses, mix one tablespoon of Epsom Salts in a gallon of water and pour that into the watering basin around your rose once a week. Stop fertilizing your roses by the first of September to allow the new growth to harden off before really cold weather arrives to help prevent winterkill. When you want to remove spent blooms, or want to cut roses to put in a vase, cut the stem just above the first five leaflet leaf, taking care to leave the tiny bud that will form a new stem. To preserve cut roses in a vase, use one teaspoon of household bleach for every quart of water, and re-cut the stems on a 45 degree angle every day.
