Rose Tips
Rose Tips
Growing Roses
Common Varieties
The following types of roses are commonly used in the home garden. Hybrid tea rose: This is the most popular rose used in the home garden. It blooms more or less continuously from late spring until frost. It is excellent for cut flowers and most have fragrance. This type needs winter protection in colder and exposed area. Floribunda roses: These provide a continuous cluster of flowers from late spring to late fall. They are hardier than hybrid teas and are good for mass plantings or low hedges. Grandiflora roses: These are long-slemmed, hardy plants. Growing tall, the grandiflora makes a nice background plant. Other varieties of interest include miniature, climber, landscape (shrub) and tree roses.
The following types of roses are commonly used in the home garden. Hybrid tea rose: This is the most popular rose used in the home garden. It blooms more or less continuously from late spring until frost. It is excellent for cut flowers and most have fragrance. This type needs winter protection in colder and exposed area. Floribunda roses: These provide a continuous cluster of flowers from late spring to late fall. They are hardier than hybrid teas and are good for mass plantings or low hedges. Grandiflora roses: These are long-slemmed, hardy plants. Growing tall, the grandiflora makes a nice background plant. Other varieties of interest include miniature, climber, landscape (shrub) and tree roses.
Selecting Roses
Buy #1 quality roses. Bare-root plants should be purchased and planted before they begin making new shoot growth. Container- grown plants can be planted any time the planning site can be prepared.
Buy #1 quality roses. Bare-root plants should be purchased and planted before they begin making new shoot growth. Container- grown plants can be planted any time the planning site can be prepared.
Planting Roses
For best results select a site that has at least 4-6 hours of sunlight a day. Make the hole large enough to accommodate the roots without twisting. Add a handful of super phosphate or bone meal in the hole along with the soil, in the root zone. The bud-union should be set at ground level exposed to the sun. After the bush has fully leafed out, apply a balanced fertilizer (usually around the end of April).
For best results select a site that has at least 4-6 hours of sunlight a day. Make the hole large enough to accommodate the roots without twisting. Add a handful of super phosphate or bone meal in the hole along with the soil, in the root zone. The bud-union should be set at ground level exposed to the sun. After the bush has fully leafed out, apply a balanced fertilizer (usually around the end of April).
Fertilizing
A three time per year program is used by many growers. First: With established roses, fertilize just after pruning. With newly planted roses, fertilize after full leaf-out (April to mid-May). Second: Fertilize after the first flush of blooms fade (usually late June). Third: Fertilize in the middle of August (fertilizing later in the year may promote new tender growth which could freeze if early cold weather occurs). Some Rosarians feed liquid fertilizer (Peters, Mirocle-Gro, etc.) every two weeks around the plants. You may be able to combine this type of fertilizer with your insect and disease spray mix. Also, new plants need more nitrogen than older plants in order to grow leaves. Slow nitrogen releasing forms of fertilizer, such as Osmocote, will provide nitrogen over a longer period than other available chemical forms. Another recommendation is to add a handful of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) in the first part of May to promote better leaf color. Lastly, remember to stop fertilizing in mid-August.
A three time per year program is used by many growers. First: With established roses, fertilize just after pruning. With newly planted roses, fertilize after full leaf-out (April to mid-May). Second: Fertilize after the first flush of blooms fade (usually late June). Third: Fertilize in the middle of August (fertilizing later in the year may promote new tender growth which could freeze if early cold weather occurs). Some Rosarians feed liquid fertilizer (Peters, Mirocle-Gro, etc.) every two weeks around the plants. You may be able to combine this type of fertilizer with your insect and disease spray mix. Also, new plants need more nitrogen than older plants in order to grow leaves. Slow nitrogen releasing forms of fertilizer, such as Osmocote, will provide nitrogen over a longer period than other available chemical forms. Another recommendation is to add a handful of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) in the first part of May to promote better leaf color. Lastly, remember to stop fertilizing in mid-August.
Disease Problems & Treatment
Disease problems (Powdery Mildew, Rust, Blackspot, Downy Mildew). Powdery Mildew: As with all diseases, prevention is the key. Prune to provide air circulation and allow sunlight penetration, and provide a fungicide coverage to keep plants healthy. Select varieties that are less apt to be afflicted with fungus diseases. If necessary, start a spray schedule when the disease first appears with an application of fungicide every 7 lo 10 days throughout the growing season. Use Funginex, Wettable Sulfur, or approved fungicide for control. Mildew likes HOT days and cool nights. The disease can develop in relatively dry conditions. Wish it off the leaves with a strong water spray in early afternoon, so plant will dry before evening. Spores are spread by wind. This cultural practice reduces, but does not eliminate powdery mildew in western Oregon. Rust: Over winters on diseased leaves and on infected seems. Cool humid weather spurs its growth. Funginex, among others, is registered for spraying. Spores are spread by wind and splashing water. Blackspot: Over winters on infected leaves. Likes cool wet weather. Must remain on the wet plant for at least 24 hours for infection to occur. Control with repeated sprays of Captan, Daconil 2787, Fuginex, fixed copper, Wettable Sulfur, Immunox or other properly labeled chemical. Downly Mildew: New in our area. Looks somehow like backspot, usually found on the newer leaves, while blackspot usually starts at the bottom of the plant. Spread by splashing water and wind. Occurs in spring, early summer, late summer, and fall. It spreads very quickly and can kill a plant. Control with copper fungicide applications per label directions.
Disease problems (Powdery Mildew, Rust, Blackspot, Downy Mildew). Powdery Mildew: As with all diseases, prevention is the key. Prune to provide air circulation and allow sunlight penetration, and provide a fungicide coverage to keep plants healthy. Select varieties that are less apt to be afflicted with fungus diseases. If necessary, start a spray schedule when the disease first appears with an application of fungicide every 7 lo 10 days throughout the growing season. Use Funginex, Wettable Sulfur, or approved fungicide for control. Mildew likes HOT days and cool nights. The disease can develop in relatively dry conditions. Wish it off the leaves with a strong water spray in early afternoon, so plant will dry before evening. Spores are spread by wind. This cultural practice reduces, but does not eliminate powdery mildew in western Oregon. Rust: Over winters on diseased leaves and on infected seems. Cool humid weather spurs its growth. Funginex, among others, is registered for spraying. Spores are spread by wind and splashing water. Blackspot: Over winters on infected leaves. Likes cool wet weather. Must remain on the wet plant for at least 24 hours for infection to occur. Control with repeated sprays of Captan, Daconil 2787, Fuginex, fixed copper, Wettable Sulfur, Immunox or other properly labeled chemical. Downly Mildew: New in our area. Looks somehow like backspot, usually found on the newer leaves, while blackspot usually starts at the bottom of the plant. Spread by splashing water and wind. Occurs in spring, early summer, late summer, and fall. It spreads very quickly and can kill a plant. Control with copper fungicide applications per label directions.
Insect Problems & Treatment
Insect problems (Aphids, Spider mites, Thrips, Midge). Aphids: Aphids are the biggest problem but easiest to control. Fight them when you see them. Almost any insecticide will do. Orthene is one of the easiest to buy and it is systemic which gives longer control. Insecticide soap is non-toxic, but controls by contact only. Spider mites: Conversely, Spider mites are the toughest problem to control. They show up in the hot, dry summer. They can be washed off with a strong spray of water for temporary control. Check product labels to find miticides such as, horticultural oils, insecticidal soups and Vendex. Other home garden products include Isotox formula IV (Vendex and Orthene), or Orthonex (Orthene and Funginex). Thrips: Thrips come in late spring. Spray with insecticidal soap or Orthene (on blooms). Midge: Midges, otherwise known as No-see-em flies, kill the tips of stems or nip the buds at their base. This stops all further growth of these stems. Sticky traps can be used to reduce insect populations or if infestations are severe, spray with Orthene.
Insect problems (Aphids, Spider mites, Thrips, Midge). Aphids: Aphids are the biggest problem but easiest to control. Fight them when you see them. Almost any insecticide will do. Orthene is one of the easiest to buy and it is systemic which gives longer control. Insecticide soap is non-toxic, but controls by contact only. Spider mites: Conversely, Spider mites are the toughest problem to control. They show up in the hot, dry summer. They can be washed off with a strong spray of water for temporary control. Check product labels to find miticides such as, horticultural oils, insecticidal soups and Vendex. Other home garden products include Isotox formula IV (Vendex and Orthene), or Orthonex (Orthene and Funginex). Thrips: Thrips come in late spring. Spray with insecticidal soap or Orthene (on blooms). Midge: Midges, otherwise known as No-see-em flies, kill the tips of stems or nip the buds at their base. This stops all further growth of these stems. Sticky traps can be used to reduce insect populations or if infestations are severe, spray with Orthene.
Care Tips
Other rose care tips (Anti-transpirants, Spraying, Watering, pH, Cultural Controls). Anti- Transpirants: Wilt-Pruf or Cloud Cover are organic materials which may help slow water evaporation during periods of water stress. They may be used with regular fungicide sprays (one Tbsp/gal) or by themselves at label rate. Spraying: Read the label before you buy and before you spray! Always use eye protection and mask if label suggests. Also wear long sleeves, pants and gloves made for chemical protection. Watering: Keep soil around bushes moist by applying one inch of water per week. pH: Know your soil chemistry. The pH directly affects nutrient availability. Your pH (in western Oregon and Washington) is probably low. Roses grow best at a PH between 6.2 to 6.8 pH. Lime (to supply calcium and raise the PH level) is best used in the fall. Dolomitic limestone has the added advantage of adding magnesium to the soil. Cultural Controls: Problems can often be avoided by using the following three cultural practices. One, choose disease and insect resistant varieties. Two, provide good air circulation. Three, practice sanitation and avoid overhead watering.
Other rose care tips (Anti-transpirants, Spraying, Watering, pH, Cultural Controls). Anti- Transpirants: Wilt-Pruf or Cloud Cover are organic materials which may help slow water evaporation during periods of water stress. They may be used with regular fungicide sprays (one Tbsp/gal) or by themselves at label rate. Spraying: Read the label before you buy and before you spray! Always use eye protection and mask if label suggests. Also wear long sleeves, pants and gloves made for chemical protection. Watering: Keep soil around bushes moist by applying one inch of water per week. pH: Know your soil chemistry. The pH directly affects nutrient availability. Your pH (in western Oregon and Washington) is probably low. Roses grow best at a PH between 6.2 to 6.8 pH. Lime (to supply calcium and raise the PH level) is best used in the fall. Dolomitic limestone has the added advantage of adding magnesium to the soil. Cultural Controls: Problems can often be avoided by using the following three cultural practices. One, choose disease and insect resistant varieties. Two, provide good air circulation. Three, practice sanitation and avoid overhead watering.
Pruning
SPRING ROSE PRUNING GUIDE From Portland Rose Chatter, February 2004: As the month of February progresses, gardeners begin to get anxious, in particular the rose gardener who wants to get out and prune the roses. Pruning roses is really a rather simple process, but a process which is hard to put into words. Every experienced rose grower will describe the technique slightly differently and probably does it slightly differently. One important fact to remember is that no matter how you prune, unless you cut the rose off below the ground line, it will survive and bloom. A total lack of pruning is worse for the bush than any amount of over pruning you may do. So prune with confidence and the results will be good. To learn more about pruning roses, attend one of the pruning demonstrations presented by the PRS where can ask specific questions, (the schedule of pruning demonstrations is in the PRS calendar), but for those who cannot attend, the following information should suffice as a guide to pruning roses competently and with confidence.
SPRING ROSE PRUNING GUIDE From Portland Rose Chatter, February 2004: As the month of February progresses, gardeners begin to get anxious, in particular the rose gardener who wants to get out and prune the roses. Pruning roses is really a rather simple process, but a process which is hard to put into words. Every experienced rose grower will describe the technique slightly differently and probably does it slightly differently. One important fact to remember is that no matter how you prune, unless you cut the rose off below the ground line, it will survive and bloom. A total lack of pruning is worse for the bush than any amount of over pruning you may do. So prune with confidence and the results will be good. To learn more about pruning roses, attend one of the pruning demonstrations presented by the PRS where can ask specific questions, (the schedule of pruning demonstrations is in the PRS calendar), but for those who cannot attend, the following information should suffice as a guide to pruning roses competently and with confidence.
Cutting
The best time to cut roses from your garden is late afternoon, at dusk. The next-best time is in the early morning while the air is still cool. Roses cut during the heat of the day will quickly wilt for lack of moisture.
The best time to cut roses from your garden is late afternoon, at dusk. The next-best time is in the early morning while the air is still cool. Roses cut during the heat of the day will quickly wilt for lack of moisture.
Roses In Healing
Rose Hips
Roses are applied in several natural cures for their healing properties. As a herb, rose hips are used in teas, syrups and jams to prevent or cure colds because they contain such a high amount of vitamin C. Rose hips are also used as a mild laxative.
Roses are applied in several natural cures for their healing properties. As a herb, rose hips are used in teas, syrups and jams to prevent or cure colds because they contain such a high amount of vitamin C. Rose hips are also used as a mild laxative.
Rose Petals
Rose petals prepared as tea are helpful when you have a hangover (the ancient Romans knew this already) or indigestion. The cooled down tea can be used as gargle in case of inflammation in the mouth and the throat.
Rose petals prepared as tea are helpful when you have a hangover (the ancient Romans knew this already) or indigestion. The cooled down tea can be used as gargle in case of inflammation in the mouth and the throat.
Rose Oil
Perhaps the most famed use of the rose in natural cures in the rose’s essential oil. Good quality rose oil is expensive since it takes large quantities of rose petals to extract rose oil. As a flower attributed to Venus and Aphrodite, rose oil is foremost used to solve women’s complaints, such as irregular menstruation, PMS, and post natal depression. Rose oil helps with emotional difficulties related to female sexuality or fertility problems as well as soothing depression over a broken relationship. Rose-oil is a well known aphrodisiac and it is said to help with conception. It is an old custom to strew rose petals on the bed of a just married couple.
Perhaps the most famed use of the rose in natural cures in the rose’s essential oil. Good quality rose oil is expensive since it takes large quantities of rose petals to extract rose oil. As a flower attributed to Venus and Aphrodite, rose oil is foremost used to solve women’s complaints, such as irregular menstruation, PMS, and post natal depression. Rose oil helps with emotional difficulties related to female sexuality or fertility problems as well as soothing depression over a broken relationship. Rose-oil is a well known aphrodisiac and it is said to help with conception. It is an old custom to strew rose petals on the bed of a just married couple.