Regional rose tasks for August

Summer rainfall If pruning hasn’t yet been done, there is still time to do so. Check the ties on standard roses to make sure they are not strangling the rose. Water once a week but delay mulching to allow the soil to warm up. Drench with Koinor for long-term insect management.

Winter rainfall If water supplies are limited, hold back on pruning until mid-August; the moment you prune, the roses want water at their roots. August is a good time to trim, train and re-tie climbing roses, removing dead or old stems. If pruning was done early and the roses are sprouting, prevent downy mildew and black spot by spraying with Chronos mixed with Ludwig’s Insect Spray or Rose Protector. For long-term insect control, apply Koinor as a soil drench. In windy areas, make sure standard roses are securely tied to their stakes.

Lowveld and KwaZulu-Natal coast Roses should be sprouting and growing well. Water once a week and fertilise with Vigorosa or the controlled-release Vigolonger fertiliser. Should the weather be wet and humid, protect roses from downy mildew and black spot by spraying with Chronos or Rose Protector. For long-term pest management, drench the soil around each rose with Koinor. Spread a mulch over the soil surface of rose beds.