How to grow roses

Whether you prefer a beautiful collection of container-grown bushes for beauty, a few tomato plants for your kitchen, or your very own herb garden, the balcony often provides the space and just about the right environment to succeed. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

There are few flowers as universally recognised and admired as the rose. The rose has a long heritage in art and literature; inspiring many musicians, poets and authors. Packed with symbolism, it evokes passion, beauty and romance.

To go with the buzz, gardening has become something of an obsession for rose enthusiasts. Many dedicate their gardens to roses exclusively and commit a lot of their time and money to what they confess is an addictive hobby.

However, you don’t have to be a ‘rose freak’ to let this all-time queen of flowers to grace your yard. Roses are much like any other flowers, just a little more demanding. Given regular care, your rose garden can grow to be the highlight of your landscape.

Choose wisely

Whether you are adding the first rose to your garden or you are a veteran looking to try a new type, the most important consideration is what you would like your rose to do for you.

Do you want an ornamental bed or a hedge to define your garden spaces? Are you looking for a garden from which you can periodically harvest cut flowers? The answers to these questions will play a role in determining which kind of rose you go for.

The local environmental conditions are equally important and so is your personal tolerance for maintenance. A good starting point would be your local nursery supplier. There you are sure to get plants that have been tried and tested in your area as well as information on maintenance practices tailored to suit your environment.

Plant right

Most roses are sold as container seedlings. Prior to planting, cut off any dead leaves as well as damaged roots. Do not remove the seedlings from the package until you are ready to plant. As with planting anything else, you begin by preparing the soil and soil amendments.

Make a hole into the ground large enough to accommodate proper root growth. Remember that roses appreciate organic matter mixed into the soil when planting. Choose a spot that is well drained and is exposed to the sun for at least six hours a day.

If the spot you have chosen does not drain well, build up the bed with topsoil and organic matter. Also remember that roses are heavy feeders and may need to be planted with some fertilizer besides organic manure. There are fertilizers specially formulated for roses. Apply these following the instructions on the package to the letter.

Maintenance

Roses require more feeding, watering and are often more susceptible to disease and insect attacks. A little more attention should therefore be accorded to rose gardens. The first three months are particularly critical.

Mulch and apply organic manure regularly and as the young roses demand. Besides improving soil moisture retention, mulching also help in weed control and adds much needed humus as it decomposes.

Water deeply every morning and reduce gradually to twice a week as the roses begin to pick up. As they mature, roses will need to pruning and thinning. Pruning increases the blossoms and improves air circulation through the plant thus reducing the risk of pests and diseases. Be careful not to over-prune though, a few side stems will suffice.