The Secret to breathtaking Roses

Roses really come into their own this month. After pruning in July and rain during the winter months, roses produce some of their best blooms in October while the weather is still mild and the soil is moist. Here are a few pointers to help you get new roses settled in your garden this month.

Planting tips :

• Before planting your new roses place them in their bags in the positions which you have planned for them in the garden. This will give you the chance to see how the colour combinations work and whether they are receiving enough light. Remember to keep them well watered while they are in their bags, as they will dry out quickly.
• Check the labels on the plants to determine what the final height of the mature bushes will be. This will allow you to plant them in an appropriate area (for example, at the back or middle of a garden bed).
• If you plant roses in containers, make sure they have a diameter of at least 35cm and add plenty of moisture retaining granules to the potting soil.
• Plant your roses at the same depth as they were in the black bag in which you purchased them.

Watering :

• Watering is very important during the spring and summer months. A rose bush needs at least 10 litres of water twice a week in very warm weather.
• Cover the soil surrounding your roses with a 10cm layer of mulch, like bark chips, to conserve moisture in the soil.

Feeding and care

• Spray roses once every two weeks with an organic insecticide to ward off aphids, red spider mite, beetles and thrips. Minor pest infestations can be tackled by simply spraying your plants with a strong jet of water.
• Feed roses once a month with 8:1:5 fertiliser and water well after feeding.

HOT TIP : If you’re looking for hassle-free roses, try floribundas or groundcovers. Both are fairly disease-resistant and require little pruning.