Roses are a popular choice for many gardeners, offering a wide range of colours and scents. But to keep them looking their best, they require a bit of maintenance
From soft pinks to vibrant oranges, roses are often the crown jewel of any garden.
They make a showstopping addition to any landscape as they can be planted in containers or in borders. However, owning them comes at a price, requiring careful attention and maintenance to ensure they thrive throughout the season.
With the right care techniques and tools, rose bushes can flourish and deliver “stunning blooms year after year”, according to the experts at Henchman. The experts recommended carrying out three key jobs for “long-lasting” blooms all season long.
1. Pruning
The experts said: “Pruning is key to keeping roses healthy and encouraging development. While the best time to prune is typically late winter or early spring, just before the plant starts new growth, this can vary depending on the type of roses you’re growing and when they were planted.
“For example, rambling roses can be pruned in the summer after they’ve flowered, though a winter trim during peak pruning season can help keep them tidy. Light pruning in summer also helps to shape the bush and promote even more blooms.”
2. Shaping and maintenance
When shaping a rose bush, first tackle any stems which cross over in the centre to prevent congestion and improve airflow, reports the Express. The experts then recommended removing any sucker canes, the thorny stems growing from the rootstock that compete with the main plant for nutrients.
The experts advised: “To remove them, cut them back to the base, and if needed, move some soil to access the base. After cutting, seal the area with a pruning sealer to protect the plant.” They also suggested to “Cut away old, woody growth which appears weak and then shape it according to its intended growth pattern.
3. The right tools
It’s important to have the correct tools when carrying out pruning to ensure diseases are not encouraged. This means making sure any secateurs are sterilised to help them stay clean. The experts said: “Having the right tools makes all the difference when it comes to pruning and maintaining roses.
“When it comes to pruning, a pair of bypass secateurs helps to make clean cuts, which can aid quicker healing.” It was also recommended to invest in a good pair of leather gardening gloves to protect hands when dealing with thorns.
