Many people feel that a garden is not complete without a rose bush of some kind. However, there are pros and cons to adding one to any garden. I think most gardeners will agree, that unless chosen carefully and cared for properly, roses can become a breeding ground for insects and disease. If the rose's needs are met, however, a rose can provide beauty and interest to the garden in summer. I hope this article will help you provide the best start for your new rose as is possible.
Bareroot roses are available in early spring, through both mail-order companies and traditional retailers. Locally, in Vancouver, bare-root roses are sold in lumberyards to grocery stores and garden centres, and a large portion of the roses are purchased on impulse. The pretty pictures and reasonable price often lead to the rose being placed in the shopping cart before the shopper fully realizes what has happened. The real dilemma starts not at the check-out stand, but when you get home and have to plant it in the garden.
Choosing a spot for your rose
In order to blossom well, roses need sunshine of a minimum of 5 hours a day. Additionally, sun and good air circulation will help in the prevention of rose diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew. Be sure to allow for growing space around your new rose. Usually, 3 feet (90 cm) in each direction should be enough space.
Roses do well in many soils that will support most other garden plants. If you have light, or heavy soil, the addition of peat moss, rotted manure, leaf mould or compost will improve either. A pH value of about 6.5 is best (to find out more about pH, click here). In all cases, good drainage is essential - roses will not tolerate water-logged soil at any time of the year.
It is also important that your rose be planted in a spot where it can be adequately cared for. Make sure that the rose can be reached for mulching, cultivating and watering, and that it is planted in a spot where diseases and insects will be noticed.
