Houston Rose Maintenance

I am crazy about roses and have decided to put in a rose garden this year. Can Exterior Worlds help me get started?
Yes! We have been helping our Houston clients with their roses and rose maintenance for more than 20 years. It begins with selecting the best site: roses thrive where they get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, with morning sun and afternoon shade preferred.

Proper soil preparation is essential for healthy roses and ease of ongoing rose maintenance. Houston’s heavy black clay is slightly alkaline and roses prefer a slightly acid soil. An ideal soil mixture consists of 1/3 loam or soil, 1/3 sand, and 1/3 organic matter. Good sources of organic material are pine bark, leaf composts, composted manures, peat moss or a combination of these materials. Beds should be elevated for good drainage.

What can Exterior Worlds tell us about the planting process?
January and February are the best times to plant bare root roses in Houston. Potted roses can be planted throughout the year, while transplanting is best done when bushes are dormant. Before planting, soak roots briefly. 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 2-3 inches above the soil. Cover the roots with soil mixture and water thoroughly.

After settling has occurred, finish filling the bed, being sure to mound additional soil over the bud union to conserve moisture. After new growth starts, carefully pull back excess soil so that the bud union has full sunshine. This procedure results in healthier bushes.

What about ongoing rose maintenance?
You have five areas to focus on with rose maintenance:

• Watering. For the Gulf Coast area, roses require at least one inch of water per week and more during periods of hot, dry weather. Water thoroughly and deeply about twice a week.

• Feeding. Roses thrive on regular, light feedings, so start your feeding program when new growth begins in the spring. Continue every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Follow the directions carefully, being careful not to overfeed.

• Pruning. Springtime—or for Houstonians, spring-like weather, whenever it occurs—is the best time to prune Houston roses to encourage new growth and development. Trimming maintains size and shape of your bushes. Cut non-productive and dead wood. Also trim twiggy growth.

• Pest control. Houston roses suffer from two principle insects—aphids and thrips. Aphids, or plant lice, are sucking insects that damage new growth. Thrips bruise and discolor blooms, particularly lighter colors. Several insecticides, such as Mavrik, Orthene and Malathion, are popular choices here in Houston and provide effective, safe control. Use only when infestations are obvious and follow product directions carefully.

• Fungus control. With fungus, blackspot disease is the major enemy of Houston roses. It greatly weakens the bush and retards growth. Blackspot can be prevented through regular use of a fungicide, products that are readily available, safe and easy to use. You should begin a preventative program when blackspot first appears and continue every week during the growing season. Humid, warm weather encourages blackspot; dry periods less so.