White Simplicity's delicate form
beckons passersby to linger for
awhile.

Caring for Roses

Q: How much pruning do established roses need, and when should it be done? A: In colder regions, when the crab apples bloom in spring, prune off any dead material. Aside from that, just do maintenance pruning to take care of any crossing twigs and inward growth to keep a nice shape to the plant.

Q: What can gardeners do to encourage dormant roses to leaf out in spring? A: We put a small plastic bag over the plant. It should be tan or light brown. Don't use very dark colors. Small grocery bags work well. Be sure to cut breathing holes near the center of the bag, and anchor it down with several stones. Keep checking under the bag until you see new growth, then remove it.

Q: Should plants be mulched? A: We put 2-3 inches of mulch around our plants. We like wood chips -- cypress is best, but you can use anything except black walnut. Other possibilities are pine needles, cocoa hulls, sawdust, hay, straw, marsh hay, and old manure. But make sure the manure is well-rotted. Peat moss and grass cuttings should be used with caution, as they may become compacted and have a smothering effect.

Q: How much water do roses require? A: Hybrid Teas and Floribundas need at least 2 inches of water per week; shrub roses less. Don't let the ground dry out, as this will stress the plant. Leaves and flowers start drooping and you'll probably notice some changes in leaf color.

 

Morden Centennials seem to be
resistant to black spot and
powdery mildew, two common
fungal diseases.

Q: What pests bother roses? A: There can be different ones in different regions, but aphids and spider mites are pests everywhere. They are especially a problem in hot, dry weather. Keeping plants watered helps prevent infestations. Adjusting the hose nozzle to a fine spray and washing aphids and spider mites off plants will often take care of the problem without chemicals. Also, there are cane borers and leaf-cutting bees. We let these go because the damage is mainly cosmetic.

Q: Any other major pest problems? A: Two fungal diseases that occur all over the country are black spot and powdery mildew. Some cultivars are more resistant than others. For example, we haven't noticed any on 'Morden Blush' or 'Morden Centennial,' and some of the other Canadian roses seem to be resistant.

Q: How do you deal with infestations of black spot or powdery mildew? A: Using chemicals is a big concern among rosarians. We've cut down on the use of insecticides, using them only if we absolutely have to. For prevention or cure of black spot or powdery mildew, we follow a regular routine of spraying with fungicide every week or 10 days. Most good garden centers will carry a variety of effective products. Organic controls work better in situations where there are just a few roses. Try Safer soap or Neem or baking soda. Some rose growers have had good luck with copper-base fungicides such as Bordeaux. And you can also help prevent black spot by watering only in the morning so the foliage has a chance to dry out during the day.

Q: With all these beautiful roses, you must sometimes cut a few for the house. Any tips on cutting? A: Some cultivars hold up better than others. Use floral preservatives in the water and cut in early morning or late afternoon, just when the bud is beginning to open. Sometimes, if we know there's hot weather or a bad storm coming, we will pick a lot of them and put them in the refrigerator to take out a few at a time.

 

Consulting the experts will
help you to successfully grow
a lush array of roses.

Q: What's the best way for a rose novice to get help? A: The American Rose Society offers the Consulting Rosarians Service, a national network of trained volunteers who answer questions for free.

Q: How does a gardener find a local Consulting Rosarian? A: Call the ARS at (800)637-6534. They can give you the name of a nearby Consulting Rosarian based on your ZIP code. There is also an ARS website at www.ars.org with lots of information. Some of the Consulting Rosarians can be contacted through the website and will answer questions via e-mail. Joining the ARS is a good idea for anyone really interested in roses. They have several helpful publications, including a rating guide for best varieties.