You got the idea, the list is almost endless, with new varieties…
By Harvey Goodman
The red rose…sure, but perhaps you want one that is pink, yellow, white, lavender, orange, long stemmed or short, ruffled petals or classic, mildly fragrant or intensely robust…
You got the idea, the list is almost endless, with new varieties appearing daily. Call them what you wish — Gold Medal, June Bride, Prima Donna … they are mostly cousins to the Grandiflora rose family, and share many things in common regarding care and maintenance.
In general, Roses need 6 to 8 hours of good sunlight daily. Roses prefer a spot with good air circulation, a soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, and compost that is rich in nutrient matter.
Bare root plants, the variety most commonly sold in nurseries, should have been planted by mid April. Provide plenty of water, especially during the first few weeks after planting. In the summer, or when we have particularly hot days, you should water the plant daily (about one inch of water). Water early in the morning so that the leaves have a chance to dry off by days end. Container-grown Rose plants will display their bloom in May, and can be transplanted through the month of June…the earlier the better.
Along with water, Roses require a healthy dose of fertilizer. Organic compounds such as manure and compost are best. However if you choose to use commercially prepared chemical fertilizers, be sure to work the chemicals in the soil, keeping them away from roots and stems. Always water well after applying fertilizers.
Roses, probably because of the large variety of changing cultivars, seem to be particularly prone to insects and disease. Aphids, powdery mildew, spider mites and black spot, are but a few of the culprits that look forward to feasting on the Rose.
There are a number of sprays that are specifically designed to prevent and treat most common disease pests. Keep a watchful eye, and if disease is noted, take steps to treat the condition quickly. The safest and probably most efficient way to deal with these pests is to obtain a supply of Lady Bugs. These carnivorous champs of the insect world will feast on Rose pests…for that matter, just about any pest will do. Best of all, the control is natural and thus will not harm either the environment or your local biped community.
Black spot is a common fungal disease that most often affects roses. True to its name, black spot is signaled by round black spots with fringed edges, encircled in some cases with yellow or yellow streaks. As the disease progresses, entire leaves may turn yellow and drop. Twigs may also be infected.
Good sanitation is the first step in getting this fungal disease under control. Prune away and discard all infected foliage and stems. Clean up dropped leaves. Follow pruning with a dormant spray of lime-sulfur. A mixture of 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of summer oil in 1 gallon of water will help prevent black spot. Traditional chemical controls include triforine and chlorothalonil… follow label instructions carefully.
Deadheading and cutting back the stem down to the first outward-facing set of five leaflets, will promote reblooming. You will want to stop deadheading about one month before the frost sets in, in order to encourage the plant to become dormant for the winter season. Always remove dead leaves and petals promptly… they can promote disease and insect pest infestation.
• Plant summer-flowering bulbs in the ground and in containers
• Prevent perennial flops; add stakes around Peonies, Delphiniums and Lilies. Pinch back growth on Garden Phlox, Boltonia and New England Asters.
• Protect Cole crops (cabbage, broccoli, kale) from egg laying Cabbage White Butterflies with insect barrier cloth.
• Set out seedlings of warm weather vegetables and flowers
• Feed roses… deadhead and you may get a second shot of flowers
• Gauge your watering to correspond with weather conditions …remember annuals generally require more frequent watering than established perennials. Also, potted plants, particularly in hot weather, almost always require daily watering.
Questions or comments on gardening and plant care can be addressed to:
The Plant Doctor
c/o Queens Publishing Company
41-09 Bell Blvd.
Bayside, N.Y. 11361
or by e-mail:
Harvey.Goodman@worldnet.att.net
