COMING UP ROSES

Steve Falcioni answers your frequently asked rose-related questions

Q Can you re-pot a rose?

A Absolutely! As potting mix ages, it breaks down, becoming compressed and depleted of nutrients. Roses will thoroughly enjoy being re-potted into some fresh premium quality potting mix every 2–3 years.

Q Can you move an established rose in the ground?

A Definitely. Roses are tough and will easily handle being dug up and planted elsewhere. The ideal time is winter, when the plants are dormant. Aim to maintain as big a root ball as possible, and water in afterwards with a seaweed solution. After transplanting, give the bush a prune to compensate for roots that were lost.

Q How many times a year should I feed my rose?

A Roses are hungry plants and they will gobble up whatever you give them. A handful of organic pellets every 6–8 weeks is ideal to maximise flowering. If you’re not that diligent, aim for doing this at least at the beginning of every new season, except winter.

Q Does it matter if I miss a season of pruning my rose?

A It’s not the end of the world, but regular pruning means more flowers. Hybrid Teas need a hard winter prune, while bush roses like David Austins just need a lighter clip.

Q What pests and diseases should I worry about the most?

A Scale, aphids and mites are the main pests, and can all be controlled organically with horticultural oil. If caterpillars start chewing into buds, spray with neem oil. The main diseases are black spot, powdery mildew and rust. Use a fungicide at the first sign of trouble to control them.

WHERE TO BUY

brindabella-gardens.com.au corporateroses.com.au davidaustinrosesaustralia.com greeneroses.com.au rosesalesonline.com.au rossroses.com.au swanes.com treloarroses.com.au wagnersrosenursery.com.au Note: Not all suppliers will stock every rose mentioned.