Often called the Queen of Flowers, roses have played a starring
role in gardens for centuries. But, contrary to what you may think,
many roses do not require royal treatment to keep them in top form.
In fact, it is quite easy to grow roses that will bloom all summer
with only minimal attention from you. That does not mean, however,
roses will not benefit from a little TLC.
Location, Location, Location:
Roses can adorn nearly any spot in your yard as long as they receive
at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.
Planting Time:
In milder climates, container roses can be planted year round, but
bare-root roses are generally set into the ground in late winter.
Your first step is to choose which variety of rose you want. Climbers
and ramblers grow best along fences, walls or next to arches. Miniature
roses make great edging plants. Planted singly, shrub roses make
excellent specimen plants or can be clustered to make a flowering
hedge or camouflage piece.
Do a soil test before you plant. Soil pH is an important aspect
of keeping roses healthy. For roses, the ideal pH is between 5.5
and 6.6. If planting bare-root roses, inspect the roots after you
buy them and clip off any that are broken using a pair of sharp
pruning shears. Soak roots in a bucket of warm water 24 hours before
planting. Now you are ready to dig.
Dig a hole as deep as the root system of the rose. Mound some soil
in the bottom of the hole, set the rose on top of the mound and
position the roots gently around the mound.
Fill the hole with loose soil and press down firmly around the
plant to eliminate air pockets. To keep roses healthy, install a
drip irrigation system around the base of the plant and cover this
with several inches of mulch such as compost, leaves or shredded
bark. This will help keep the plants cool and moist and will minimize
fungal disease in the leaves caused by overhead watering. After
planting, water generously.
A quality fertilizer is a must for keeping your roses healthy.
Use Fertilome 
Rose
Food w/ Systemic Insecticide monthly to produce more blooms, richer
green foliage and provide systemic insect control.
Prune any dead canes and prune back live canes by one-third. All
roses benefit from some pruning and shaping. Pruning benefits a
rose by removing an overabundance of canes to improve air circulation
and helps encourage new growth. You should make cuts at a 45-degree
angle and be sure to cut above the buds. Cleaning up after pruning
is key to keeping the plants healthy.
Keeping Your Roses Healthy:
Good air circulation is essential if you want to keep your roses
in top form. Find out how large your plants will be at maturity
and space them accordingly. Cleanliness is important too; rake up
and remove diseased leaves from the plant. If you water your roses
with a garden hose or sprinkler, do so in the morning so the foliage
has time to dry out before nightfall.
For Best Results:
Plant roses of complementary colors next to each other. Also, when
you are buying roses for your yard, do not forget to include fragrant
varieties.
Top Five Low-Maintenance Roses
1. Shrub Roses
2. Polyantha Roses
3. Hearty Climbers
4. Species Roses or Old-fashioned Roses
5. Floribunda Roses
