Roses

WINTER

Winter (from June to the end of August) is the time that is the busiest for all growers of roses.It is best summed up by quoting direct from the latest edition of Victorian Rose Newsy.

” Winter is a busy time for rosarians. Roses have finished their growth for the year and have entered their dormancy. Now is the time to give the roses a good prune in preparation for the Spring growing season. It is also a good time to move roses that are not performing in their current locations. What is done over winter will set your roses up to do their best in the months to come”.

Pruning

Begin Rose pruning around the middle of the month but, if necessary, in frost
prone areas, delay for a few weeks, as severe frosts can be experienced in July and August.Pruning promotes new growth, and this can be burned by frosts. Do not put rose pruning’s or old mulch in your compost bins. After removing all dead leaves and old mulch, gently fork in some Seamungus and then a dressing of Dolomite Lime.

Spray with Lime Sulphur or Copper Oxychloride on the bushes and all around them. Install and repair any watering systems as this is the best time to get easy access.

NOTE Two videos on Rose pruning have been uploaded to our videos page and there are many more available on the internet.

Planting New Roses
Bare-Root roses can be chosen and planted during June and July.. Use good quality soil and incorporate some mushroom compost and Seamungus. A handful of the latter can be put in the bottom of the hole and covered with a small amount of soil. Do not use Sudden Impact as it may burn the new roots.

Once new growth has reached about 2-3 Cms in length apply Sudden Impact for Roses to the whole bed. This will usually be about the third week in August.