Now is the time to give rose final fertilization of the year

Q. I planted a rose bush this spring in remembrance of my parents and I’m pleased to say that it’s grown very well. I’ve never grown roses before and want to know what should I be doing for it with the change of seasons coming. Thanks. — P.R., Peralta

A. I’m glad for you that the memorial rose has preformed well for you. With your choice of a rose — one of the sturdiest, easy to grow bloomers for these parts — you made a great choice. With proper care it could grace your landscaping for years to come.

There are a few things I suggest you do for the bush this time of year.

First, using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or hand loppers, snip away all of the spent blooms. Do a visual inspection, looking for any injured or broken branches, and cleanly cut them off the bush. Now, I’m not suggesting any major pruning this time of year, just a maintenance clipping of any damaged parts. Historically late March is the time for rose pruning here in these parts.

Next, get down on ground level and if need be, rework the moat that surrounds the rose bush. Since it’s grown and settled in, consider enlarging the moat a bit to compensate for this year’s growth. Your aim should be sturdy walls that surround the bush to hold water when you do water it. Pluck away any interloping weeds that might be trying to set up house too.

After the snipping and moat reconstruction, it’s time to offer the rose fertilization. Be it a granular that is sprinkled in the moat and watered in, or a liquid fertilization sprayed directly on the bush, do it. But this is absolutely the last fertilization you’ll offer the rose this year. That’s it! This one and no more until the springtime of next year. And do it sooner rather than later, this weekend will be best.

You don’t want to offer the rose many more feedings since it needs to aim toward winter dormancy. Fertilize too late and it might try to push out a series of new growth that could easily suffer from the impending change of seasons. Fertilize this weekend or forgo it until next spring.

Next it’s time to alter your watering habits. Start to wean the water offerings to no more than twice a week. I’m not saying go from three-to-four waterings to oneor-two instantly, especially as it stays hot. Aim to lessen how many times a week you do water. You’ll still want to fill the moat surrounding the bush for sure, just not as often. As the dormant season comes on you will want to water the rose every ten days to two weeks during the winter months. Especially if we have a cold, dry winter. It’s the moisture in the soil that insulates the roots during the winter period keeping the whole bush healthy and able to come back stronger for you next spring.

That’s really all you need do for now. With these few chores done, the rose will settle in and rest, getting ready to offer joy to you next year!

Happy Diggin’ In!