A Rosy Time of Year

The sweetest perfume, a variety of colours and easy to grow - it is no wonder that the classic Rose has been a garden favourite for centuries.

With their pretty blooms, unrivalled perfume and over 100 different species, there is a variety of rose to suit everyone. Here are our top tips to grow and maintain beautiful blooms.

CLIMATE

Temperate climates are best for roses however they can be grown rather successfully in all parts of Australia, except for the tropical far north. Speak to you local nursery about the best variety for your area, or take a walk around your local neighborhood in the summer months to see which roses are thriving.

PLANTING

Roses can be planted as bare root stock in winter or as potted plants all year around. They should be planted in welldrained soil that is rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for rose health. If you have a heavy clay soil use a liquid gypsum. For all other soils compost and manure dug in before planting will be beneficial.

LOCATION

Roses need full sun (at least six hours a day) to really thrive. Without enough sun roses will not bloom aswell and can be more susceptible to pests and diseases. Northerly or westerly aspects are the best location for roses in an Australian garden. Southerly or easterly in the Northern Hemisphere.

PRUNING

Roses need a light mid-summer prune to remove deadheads and encourage new growth throughout Autumn, prune as if you are picking the stems for cut flowers. Prune established roses heavily in winter, we prune back by about two-thirds and clear out any internal branches to provide good air circulation.

WATER

• Don’t overwater roses, however, do give roses a deep soak once a week in high summer when there is little or no rain.

• Roses newly planted will need a little more water in their first season as they establish their roots.

• Keep humidity down by watering the roots (not the leaves) and make sure there is good air circulation around each shrub.

‘There may be many flowers in one’s life, but only one rose’

PICKING

Roses make exceptional cut flowers and will last well in fresh water. Add a couple of drops of bleach per litre of water to your vase. If you are giving bunches of roses as a gift, make sure you snip off the thorns to avoid any nasty scratches.