Roses are stunning plants that add a touch of elegance to any garden, but they are also prone to suffering from a fungal infection during autumn.
Roses are renowned for being quite resilient and long-lasting as they will bloom for months, but they can be quite susceptible to fungal disease during November if not properly cared for.
These stunning plants are heavy feeders, and when they lack sufficient nutrients in the soil, they are more likely to become stressed and struggle to ward off fungal diseases.
Autumn, however, is when you need to stop fertilising roses, otherwise any fresh growth will not be robust enough to survive the bitter cold weather that is rapidly approaching.
Fungal spores are also more likely to develop in gardens at this time of year as they flourish in moist conditions, which makes roses susceptible to contracting diseases like black spot or mildew.
To help protect roses, Sue Smith-Heavenrich – an expert from the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association – reportedly told the Express that a simple gardening task is all it takes for roses to thrive during this season.
She said: “Mulch is important; it covers bare soil, minimising erosion and cutting down on moisture loss. In addition, mulch absorbs the impact of falling raindrops and prevents fungi and bacteria from splashing onto plants.”
Mulching is a straightforward method to safeguard roses during the autumn and winter by blocking fungal spores, and the organic material can also enhance soil life with beneficial microbes that help keep the plant robust and stress-free.
How to mulch roses in autumn
The optimal time to mulch roses is in late autumn, such as early November, when the plant starts to enter dormancy.
To start, tidy up around the plant by eliminating any weeds, fallen leaves or other decaying foliage. Then, simply use your hands to distribute mulch evenly around your roses.
Do, however, leave a small gap around the main stem, otherwise too much water can accumulate in that area and cause it to rot.
Some of the best natural mulches for roses are straw, wood chips, manure or even fallen leaves if you dry them out and let them break down first.
Mulching is a quick task, but it is the most effective way to protect roses from disease during the colder months. Should mulch be applied now, you can expect a healthy and flourishing rose bush to grow next year.