Rose Care Tips

Types of Roses:

Climbing: 3' x 14-30'
Drift: 1.5' x 3'

Floribunda: 3.5' x 4'

Grandiflora: 4' x 3'
Hybrid Tea: 3-6' x 2-3'

Knockout: 3-4.5’ x 3-4.5’

Landscape Shrub: 3.5-6’ x 3-5’

Roses thrive in full sun, requiring 6–7 hrs of sunlight daily. The best planting season is January & February, as this allows the plants to establish roots before they begin to leaf out in spring. Planting during this time gives them a strong start, as the soil is typically cooler & moist ideal conditions for root growth. However, roses can be planted at any time of the year.Roses thrive in soil with a pH of 6 to 7, with an ideal level of 6.5.

When planting keep your soil type in mind if your soil needs to be amended do so. When planting make sure the root ball is above level ground by 2 inches to prevent rot root or fungus.

Fertilizing:

Feed your roses starting March to following your fertilizer instructions.

Pruning:

There are two types of pruning;removing the flowers (deadheading) & once a year on Valentine’s Day with a heavy pruning. First remove all weak & dead twigs. Always cut above the node at a 45 degree angle.

Sprayer Use:

• A pump-up sprayer is recommended.
• Avoid leaving chemicals in the sprayer after use.

Seasonal Adjustments:

• Reduce spraying during hot summer months following chemical instructions.

Watering Systems:

• Avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal leaf issues.
• Use drip irrigation as the best method for watering roses.

Black Spot

Diseases in humid, wet climates, black spot is a common issue for roses. This fungal disease appears as circular black spots on the leaves. While it can be frustrating to see your rose’s beautiful green foliage affected, it’s generally not a major threat to the plant’s overall health. Though some leaves may falloff, black spot typically does not harm the rose in the long run. To minimize its impact, remove any infected leaves and stems. This helps the plant focus on producing fresh, healthy growth. Be sure to disinfect your pruning tools after trimming to avoid spreading the disease to other plants.

The best way to prevent black spot is by watering your roses at the base rather than overhead. Water left on the leaves creates an environment where fungal diseases can thrive. Roses also prefer deep, infrequent watering, which encourages strong root growth and reduces the chances of disease

Cercospora

Cercospora is characterized by dark, circular spots that appear on the upper surface of rose leaves. These spots are usually smaller than those caused by black spot and have more defined, sharper edges, unlike the diffuse borders of black spot. This disease tends to thrive in hot, humid conditions and is more prevalent during such weather. Unlike other common rose diseases, the affected leaves often remain on the plant for a longer period before eventually falling off.

Downy Mildew

Downy mildew thrives in cool, damp conditions and is recognized by dark,angular lesions on the upper surfaces of rose leaves. This disease can cause rapid defoliation, sometimes in as little as 3–4 days. It's crucial to monitor your roses closely if you spot early signs of downy mildew to prevent it from spreading and damaging the plant.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a common issue for roses, especially in the cooler, wetter spring and fall months. This fungal disease appears as a soft, white coating on the stems, leaves, and buds of the plant. It typically develops during overcast days with high humidity and mild temperatures. Fortunately, powdery mildew tends to be less of a problem during the hot, sunny days of summer, and improved weather often allows it to dissipate onits own. However, here are some steps you can take to address it:

1. Applying horticultural oil can help smother the spores and slow thespread. It’s most effective when used at the first sign of symptoms, such as slight upward curling of the leaves.
   
   
2. Trim back the most affected areas and allow fresh, healthy growth to emerge.

Rust

Roses grown in west coast climates are particularly vulnerable to rust, a condition that thrives in cool, damp environments characterized by rain, fog,or mist. However, rust can also develop on roses in other regions when the right conditions occur.

This disease is identified by orangish-red spots resembling rust, which typically appear first on the underside of the leaves. As it progresses, the spots may spread to the upper leaf surfaces.

To minimize the spread of rust, it’s crucial to promptly remove infected leaves and canes. Be sure to dispose of these materials in sealed garbage bags, as adding them to compost or leaving them nearby can facilitate further spread. For severe infestations, you might consider applying a synthetic or natural fungicide to manage the problem effectively.

Rose Rosette Disease

Rose Rosette Disease (RRD) is caused by a tiny, windborne Eriophyid mite and can affect all hybrid roses. Symptoms include red growth, excessive thorn development, elongated shoots, deformed blooms, and flexible canes.

Currently, there is no known cure for RRD. However, our team is collaborating with other institutions to research and combat this disease. Annual pruning in early spring can help reduce the risk of infection.

If you suspect your roses are infected, promptly remove and dispose of them in a sealed plastic trash bag. Avoid composting, adding to yard waste piles, orburning the infected plants, as burning can cause mites to spread by“ballooning” to nearby plants. After completely clearing the infected plant and its roots from the area, you can safely replant in that space.