Healthy Flowering Roses

Man planting Purple Rose Bushes in Flower Bed.jpg

Healthy Flowering Roses

What should I do to look after my roses to ensure good healthy flowering this season?

The care of healthy Rose's really starts in winter. After a good prune, apply a winter clean up spray of copper oxychloride to control any overwintering black spot or rust. Garden hygiene is also important at this time and involves removing all old leaves from the rose garden. 

As leaves appear in early spring, apply Daltons Premium Rose and Flower Fertiliser at 4-6 weekly intervals until mid-December, recommencing in mid-March through to the end of April. If you notice signs of disease or pests – spray immediately. Remember once you commit to spraying, you must follow a regular regime throughout the season.

During the summer months continue deadheading your rose's, i.e. the removal of finished flowers, to encourage continuous flowering. While Rose's do not require copious amounts of water, ensure your rose bushes do not become excessively dry in summer. 

Mulch with fresh compost and or clean crushed bark to improve water retention. If there are severe outbreaks of rust or black spot, apply the appropriate fungicide regularly. 

If a particular rose has been struggling in your garden for several years, be ruthless, remove it and plant a more robust and disease-free variety. There are plenty to choose from, local Garden Centres can provide information on exciting new varieties as can Garden Magazines or look online. Read our How to Grow Roses Guide for advice on planting new roses and caring for existing ones.