Climbing Roses' Healthier Secrets
Feeding - When it comes to roses, it's critical to keep them well fed. This is why you should avoid growing them next to each other because they would have depleted the soil's nutrients. There are rose-specific fertilisers available, which we prefer over generic fertilisers since they include more phosphorus (which encourages blossom and root growth) and less nitrogen (which promotes more leaf growth). This concentrates energy into larger blooms and protects your plant from illness and insects.
Mulch - Mulching a rose plant delivers a slew of advantages. It not only prevents grass and weed competition, but it also serves to control temperature, keep the soil moist, and supply nourishment, all of which help to avoid illness. Mulch should be applied after the rose has been fertilised, which is usually in April or May. Mulch is meant to be used in conjunction with your feed, not as a replacement.
Water - Because of their deep roots, rose plants can stay green and robust during dry months when other plants begin to wilt. However, as this writer has discovered, rose plants a that do not receive enough water will flower less frequently and for a shorter period of time. You should water the plant after a dry spell, especially if it is new, trained against a wall, or fully mature.
Garlic! – Garlic is a great way to keep aphids away from roses when planted near them. Check out our companion planting guide for an organic way to keep pests away, attract pollinators, and improve soil nutrition.
Disease prevention
Top 3 Tips
- Water the soil rather than the leaves.
- Prune to allow for better air circulation.
- Feed and water your rose regularly early in the year to ensure that it is healthy and disease-resistant.
Symptoms – The most common rose disease it leaves a white, light mould on the leaves and buds of rose plants.Prevention – Prevent fungal diseases and their spread by watering at the ground level during the morning so the top soil moisture can evaporate off before sitting over night.
Treat – A fungicide spray can be used on the rose to help rid it of the disease.
Blackspot
Symptoms- Blackspot is a widespread disease that causes leaf, bud, and stem dieback. On the leaves, black dots and yellow fringe appear.
Prevention – The disease is waterborne and so the key to prevention is good air circulation and keeping the leaves dry. The same pruning and water techniques provide good protection. Additionally, ensuring the rose is well fed gives the plant a better chance of avoiding contamination.
Treat – Similarly a fungicide spray can be used to treat a diseased plant along with removing any of the affected leaves.
Rust
Symptoms – Not as common but can be very harmful if it contracted. Orange and black spores can be found on the undersides of leaves and stems.
Prevention – The key to prevention is ensuring the rose is well fed and is strong coming into the summer months.
Treat – Again a fungicide spray is required if the plant is contaminated.
Leave a comment