If you're new to Rose growing or already have a collection of these gorgeous flowers, there are a few simple Rose care jobs you can do during summer. Pruning, feeding and pest and disease control will all pay future floral dividends!
Using a sharp pair of secateurs, cut back Rose bushes all over by about 30% and also completely remove any dead or spindly stems and spent flower heads. Summer pruning has several benefits, including refreshing and reinvigorating the plant, encouraging a fresh flush of blooms in around six-to-seven weeks time and reducing the amount of pruning you'll need to do in winter. Perhaps time your Rose pruning so you'll have beautiful home grown blooms to give your Valentine on February 14th!
Pro tip! While you have your secateurs out, cut off any stems that have appeared below the graft (bump on the central stem). These will be the rootstock and will not produce the same blooms as the original Rose. If left unpruned, the rootstock can eventually take over.
After you've pruned, giving your Roses a good feed will help promote healthy fresh foliage growth and lots of new flowers. Liquid feeding during summer is ideal, as the nutrients will be quickly available to the Rose and you can water and feed at the same time. Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Liquid Plant Food contains a combination of nutrients specially designed to feed Roses, including flower-promoting potassium. Dilute two capfuls in a 9 L watering can and apply around the Rose's root zone every 1–2 weeks.
Hot summer days can dry out the soil and Roses can suffer. Roses growing in pots will dry out even quicker than in-ground plants. To help keep Roses healthy during summer, water them deeply 1–2 times a week. Thorough watering moves moisture down deep into the root zone where it's needed. More frequent watering will be required for Roses growing in pots. Whenever watering Roses apply water gently around the base of the plant, rather than watering over the foliage. Water splashing up from the soil or potting mix surface can transfer disease spores onto the leaves and wet leaves can also increase the spread of disease.
An additional step during summer is to use a soil wetter like Yates Waterwise Soil Wetter. It will help break down the waxy, water repellent layer that can develop on the soil or potting mix surface and improve water absorption. Add a capful into a 9 L watering can and apply over the root zone of in-ground or potted roses.
Spreading an organic mulch, like bark chips or straw, around the root zone of the plant will help to retain moisture in the soil or potting mix, making it another important summer Rose care task.
Roses are prone to attack from sap-sucking Aphids and Mites (which particularly love hot and dry summers). Aphids often cluster on new leaves and stems as well as flower buds, causing yellowing and distortion. Mite infestations result in leaves discolouring and large populations can develop spidery webbing. Caterpillars can also cause damage to Roses in summer, chewing through leaves and also flowers. To control the most common Rose pests, including Aphids, Mites and Caterpillars, spray plants with ready to use Yates Rose Gun every two weeks.
Yates 750mL Ready To Use Rose Gun Black Spot And Insect Killer
Roses are susceptible to a range of fungal diseases, including Black Spot, Powdery Mildew and Rust. Black Spot appears as dark spots on leaves that become feathery or fringed and leaves can also start to yellow. Powdery Mildew is a disease that looks like a dusting of white talcum powder on leaves, stems and flower buds. Rust leads to leaves developing powdery orange pustules. Diseases can be more common during wet or humid weather. To control the most common Rose diseases, including Black Spot, Powdery Mildew and Rust, spray plants with ready to use Yates Rose Gun every two weeks.
Before spraying Roses to control pests or diseases, ensure the plants are well-watered and not suffering from moisture stress. Also, do not spray plants when shade temperatures are 30°C or above.
