Growing Roses: A Practical Guide for Home Gardens

Roses have a reputation for being fussy, but modern shrub and landscape roses are among the most reliable garden plants when given sun, good soil and a little attention.

Choose for your site

Before buying, check sunlight and space. Most roses want at least six hours of sun and good airflow. Choose a shrub rose for borders, a climber for walls and arches, or a compact patio rose for containers. Disease-resistant varieties reduce future work.

Planting

Dig a hole wider than the root ball and improve the soil with compost. Position the graft union just below soil level in cold climates. Water thoroughly and mulch, keeping mulch clear of the stems.

Water and feed

Roses prefer deep watering at the base once or twice a week rather than daily sprinkling. Feed in spring as growth begins and again after the first flush of flowers. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds late in the season, which encourage soft growth before winter.

Pruning

Prune when buds begin to swell in late winter or early spring. Remove dead, damaged and crossing stems first, then shorten remaining stems to encourage strong new growth. Climbers need training rather than hard pruning.

Common problems

Blackspot and rust are managed with airflow, clean fallen leaves and resistant varieties. Aphids usually disappear once predators arrive. Avoid overhead watering in the evening to reduce disease.