| Rose Maintenance
HOUSTON ROSE CARE, ROSE PLANTING AND ROSE
PROBLEMS
SELECTING A PLACE TO PLANT YOUR ROSES:
Try to pick a place where there will be sun for at least 6 hours
of the day, not too near large trees or hedges. If you can find
an area with morning sun and afternoon shade with will be
preferable. Houston roses do well in full sun with good air
circulation.
PREPARATION OF HOUSTON ROSE BEDS:
Your typical rose bed requires a single row of roses with 18” on
each side for a total of 3’ feet. A double row needs five feet.
For convenience, it is preferable to have no more than two rows
to allow at least four feet between beds. Proper soil
preparation will by very beneficial for rose production. Houston
area soil is primarily heavy black clay (gumbo) and is slightly
alkaline. Roses prefer a slightly acid soil. Rose beds should be
elevated above yard level for good drainage. You can build up
the bed using wood, steel, brick or stone to enhance drainage.
PLANTING MIXTURE:
An ideal mixture consists of 1/3 loam or soil, 1/3 sand, and 1/3
organic matter. For a rose bed of approximately 100 square feet,
add 20 pounds of Superphosphate (0-20-0) and 20 pounds of
agricultural gypsum. A rotary tiller makes the job easier and
allows new beds to settle and compost for a few weeks before
planting. Good sources of organic material are pine bark, leaf
composts, composted manures, peat moss or a combination of these
materials.
PLANTING:
The best time to plant bare root roses in Houston is during
January and February. Potted roses can be planted throughout the
year. Transplanting is best done when bushes are dormant. Select
good quality rose bushes that have not dried out in storage or
shipment. Dried out plants will not start or produce well. Store
bare root roses in a cool place, and keep moist if they are not
to be planted immediately. Soak roots briefly before planting.
Dig a hole about 12 inches deep in a prepared bed, forming a
cone in the planting area to support the roots. Place the bush
over the soil cone so the bud union (where the rose is grafted
to the roots) is two or three inches above the soil level of the
bed. Cover the roots with soil removed from the planting area
and water in thoroughly. After settling has occurred, finish
filling the bed, and mound additional soil over the bud union
and several inches of rose canes to conserve moisture. After new
growth has started, carefully pull back excess soil so that the
bud union is exposed to sunshine. This will encourage additional
new canes from the bud union and result in a more-productive
bush.
WATERING:
Houston roses, and the surrounding gulf coast area, require at
least one inch of water per week. More is required during
periods of hot, dry weather. Water thoroughly and deeply about
twice each week. Slow soaking is best and avoid getting too much
water the leaves.
FEEDING:
Roses are heavy feeders and thrive on regular, light feedings.
Begin a feeding program when new growth begins in the Spring and
continue every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Composted
manure is good and many commercial fertilizers do a good job.
Special rose foods are also available. Follow the directions
carefully. DO NOT overfeed. Light, regular feedings are the most
effective. WATER thoroughly before and after feeding. Water is
essential in the feeding process.
INSECT PROTECTION:
The principle insects that attack Houston roses are aphids and
thrips. Aphids (plant lice) are sucking insects that damage new
growth. Thrips bruise and discolor blooms, particularly lighter
colors. Several insecticides provide effective, safe control.
Mavrik, Orthene and Malathion are popular in Houston. Follow
product directions carefully. Use only when infestations are
obvious. Spray only after rose beds have been thoroughly
watered. Early morning or late evening spraying is best to avoid
leaf burn. Red spider mites sometimes occur during hot dry
weather. These tiny insects multiply on the underside of leaves,
resulting in loss of color and, final a loss of leaves.
Infestation occurs on the lower leaves and gradually work their
way up. A strong water spray on the underside of leaves, washing
away the insects and webbing, every other day for a week will
usually bring control.
FUNGUS DISEASE CONTROL:
Blackspot disease is the major enemy of Houston roses. Black
spots appear on leaves, gradually spreading as leaves turn
yellow and drop off. Blackspot greatly weakens the bush and
retards growth. Blackspot can be prevented through regular use
of a fungicide. These products are readily available, safe and
easy to use. Begin a preventative program when leaves first
appear, and continue every week during the growing season.
Humid, warm weather encourages blackspot; dry periods do not
require as much control. Spray a fungicide on a regular
schedule, wetting the leaves, top and bottom. Powdery mildew
most often occurs in early Spring or late Fall with cool nights
and warm days. Mildew appears as a gray white mold on new leaves
and stems. It spreads rapidly if moist conditions persist. If
mildew appears, spray twice a week until control is established
and new growth is free of disease.
PRUNING:
Houston roses are best when pruned in the springtime to
encourage new growth and development. Cut out dead or
nonproductive wood, flush with the bud union. Trim out twiggy
growth. Trim back canes from the previous year to about 24
inches. Trimming maintains size and shape of bush. Prune during
the month of February. Repeat climbers should be pruned while
dormant; rambler and once-blooming climbers should be pruned
AFTER flowering.
For additional information on planting Houston roses
contact
us, or visit
Exterior Worlds.
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