The first consideration of planting caring of roses is selecting the site for a rose garden. Air circulation and drainage are of utmost importance. Soil is not as important as it can be modified.
Roses do not do well where air cannot move over them freely. Too often a rose garden is surrounded by a tall evergreen hedge for decorative effect. This delegates the gardener to a constant battle with blackspot and mildew. When there is a choice, pick a location where the air moves freely, but not where the roses will not have to beat the force of the winter and summer harsh winds. Light filtered shade at noon is beneficial. All roses for planting caring of roses require five hours or more of direct sunshine a day. Whatever part of the property is selected, it needs to have good drainage. Garden roses cannot tolerate wet soil. Roses need loose friable soil, filled with humus.
All roses (except) a miniature ought to have a hole dug at least two feet deep and two feet square. In the middle of the hole, build up a cone about 12 inches high of the soil taken from the hole. If the soil is not good, add good purchased soil with compost and some fertilizer and work together thoroughly. The idea of the cone is to direct the roots of the plant upward. Set your unwrapped rose plant on top of this cone with the roots spread out. Now fill in using only good topsoil. When the roots are covered and the hole is about half full, step into it with both feet. Press the soil down so that it is in firm contact of the roots. Run water into the hole until full and let the water settles. Fill the hole the rest of the way with soil. Pile extra soil around the plant, and remove it a little at a time when the top shows signs of growth. The mounded soil protects the stems from sun and wind.
Use rose food. Most fertilizer programs provide too much plant food. More roses are killed from overfeeding than by starvation. There is no clear formula for feeding a rose. Each rose garden differs and the right amount will be determined by trial and error. Feed a little and watch. When growth seems to be slowing, see what effect another dose will produce. Discontinue adding rose food in early fall so that your rose is not killed should you have an early frost.
Planting caring of roses will always need good air circulation and drainage.
Sherry Russell - Powers http://rosetypesonline.com
