In the Desert Southwest, we are blessed with two different blooming seasons, spring & fall. Roses don't really enjoy the heat of summer and go into summer dormancy, meaning that they just exist and don't grow or bloom significantly. However, with the days growing shorter and summer temperatures begin to cool, it is time to lightly prune your rose bushes, which will stimulate new growth.
Begin by pruning back about 1/4 of the total size of the rose bush, (this isn't the major pruning that occurs in the winter). As always, prune back to an outward facing bud at an angle of 45 degrees. Seal any pruning cuts larger than the diameter of a pencil with Elmer's glue to prevent borers.
It is also time to fertilize your roses in preparation for their fall bloom season. Apply a slow-release fertilizer, specially formulated for roses following the instructions on the fertilizer. Afterward, be sure to water in well.
**For those that want to go the extra step, I would recommend adding organic material in addition to the slow-release fertilizer, which greatly benefits your roses and results in greater growth and blooms over the long term. To do this, first make 4 - 5 six-inch holes around each rose, placing them at least 1 ft. from the center ( I use the end of a broom handle for this to make it easier). Then apply a mixture of aged steer manure and alfalfa pellets (rabbit food) and pour into each hole. Water in well. The aged manure improves the soil structure and adds nutrients. The alfalfa pellets release an alcohol as they break down that roses just love.
4 comments:
Hi Noelle! Good post! It looks like I need to fly to Phoenix to treat roses at my Mother-in-law house which is for sale.
very informative article. some of tips are worth trying. Waiting for fall to come to apply some of the tips. Temp is still 85F here :(
Good tips for roses. This is the second post that's mentioned rabbit food. First I've ever heard of it.
I think you will see a real difference when you use the rabbit food. Happy Gardening!
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