Quick tips to help get your rose bushes flowering
I AM revisiting the topic of roses as many gardeners have at one time or another attempted to plant temperate roses because they were so enticed by the flowers.
Roses are very fussy, preferring weather that is neither too hot nor cold. They also tend to dislike high levels of humidity – makingthem extremely difficult to please in our tropical gardens. Most florists today stock lots of roses for decorative purposes, but almost all of them are imported – either from cooler regions such as Cameron Highlands, or from Thailand and even China. Those who frequent the market would likely have seen roses that probably came from the highlands of Bogor in Indonesia. Some of the special needs for these fussy plants include keeping temperatures as cool as possible and warding off various pests. Keen gardeners who can afford it have resorted to temperature regulators, such as those used for orchids t o ensure their prized plants thrive. Previously in New Zealand, I enjoyed the experience of successfully growing some beautiful roses. I would recommend that those who want to try growing roses begin by choosing varieties that can withstand our tropical weather conditions.
In the early 2000s, we had very good growers, especially with mini roses. Those mini roses have proven to be able to perform well in our climate. You can start by buying ready-rooted grafted planting materials that carry a flower to indicate their true variety.
Planting bare-root roses
The need to reduce temperatures for planting roses through various means would have to include air-conditioned areas, which would also reduce the level of humidity in the air.
Secondly, do not allow the bare roots to dry out as this would kill the plantlets. Soak the roots and canes in water for a day or two. A vitamin B additive added to the water would help them to thrive. There are also some gardeners who rinse the bare roots in a light bleach solution to kill off unwanted bacteria.
The next tip would be to plant the roses in containers. This will enable you to keep the plants in the shade before the leaves reappear. You will also be able to easily move them for some sunshine.
The planting medium for roses needs to be a mixture of compost, very fine grains of gravel and perlite – which is necessary to improve drainage. The basal dressing should be a superphosphate fertiliser. Ensure the medium is loosened so that air circulation is possible.
Sandy soil as well as bigger plants would have higher water requirements. A good automatic sprinkler system would ensure an adequate supply of essential water for established plants during the dry season.
Propagation by cuttings
If you take enough care to prepare the cuttings for rooting, it is actually possible to use them for propagation. First of all, the preparation of the peat in containers needs particular attention. Secondly, choose newly-matured stems for the cuttings and remove all but the uppermost one or two leaves without damaging the buds.
Make a one-inch wound on either side of the bottom and scrape the bark off to promote rooting. Insert the cutting into the potting medium after it has been dressed with rooting hormone.
A temperature-controlled space for propagation by cuttings would help to protect the materials from the tropical heat and water loss.
Additional reminders
Good air circulation is vital for growing roses in the tropics. This will help to ensure that the plants are less exposed to fungal diseases that tend to thrive when plantings are crowded in an area.
Good management of the water requirements of roses is also critical. This includes ensuring that the soil is never waterlogged. However, you will need to always keep the top two inches of the soil moist.
Fertilise the plant with a 510-5 NPK ratio when the soil is wet. Repeat this step every month. Mulching with compost is good to help the roses to retain moisture during dry periods in particular.
Prune the plants when you deadhead or cut flowers for other uses. Since there is no dormant period in the tropics, pruning can be done at any convenient time. Count outward two buds and then cut at that point to allow the bud to remain on the plant. Cut all the dead flower stems that are less than finger-sized.
Hope these tips help with your rose garden. Do send me an email if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions. Happy gardening.