Article covers the basics of growing healthy roses

Roses have been the mainstay of gardens for centuries. Ranging in color from pure white to crimson black, they enchant us with their fragrance and beauty. And never before has there been such an array of choices for the home garden.
The House of Meillands Romantica Series, David Austins English roses, grandifloras and floribundas have come on the scene, tempting us with yet one more bush! All these roses share one thing in common: they need care.
Roses thrive best in a slightly acidic, well-drained soil. They bloom the best when they receive 6-8 hours of morning sun. Roses are heavy nitrogen feeders, and I recommend enriching the soil, prior to planting, with cottonseed meal, horse manure and compost, well dug in. A large handful of garden sulfur thrown in, will help promote greening of the leaves. Established roses should have their soil amended every year, using the same mixture.
Spacing is critical in preventing fungal diseases, such as black spot and powdery mildew. A regular program, twice a year of spraying the bushes with both dormant oil and horticultural copper, will go a long way towards helping prevent these fungi.
How you water your roses is also crucial in disease prevention. Water early in the morning, so as to allow the leaves to dry thoroughly. Powdery mildew is completely preventable in most cases, just by following this advice.
Pruning out crossed canes and any dead or broken branches, allows better air circulation to the middle of your bushes.If you live in a moderate winter climate, hard pruning can be done after the last blooming. In more severe climates, pruning by a third should suffice until Spring. Next week, we'll discuss pests and how to deal with them.



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