Rose Care: Summer
In July and August the weather can be very hot, and this heat can be the worst enemy of your roses, and the biggest rose care challenge. Roses can be damaged by the heat, and in addition to this the humidity which accompanies the heat leads to insect infestations and fungal disease.
Here are some rose care tips for keeping your plants healthy and beautiful, until autumn brings some cool relief.
Roses should be given adequate water during summer, watering the roots and not the plants themselves as this could lead to the development of fungal disease. Root watering also ensures the plants get plenty to drink.
You should water your plants every day, when the temperature is 90F or more. If your rose bushes are in pots, then you should water them twice a day. Do not water during the hottest part of the day, because this will mean too much of the water is lost through evaporation.
Once a week spray your roses with fungicide, and if any leaves or canes show signs of fungal infection, cut them back.
You should also fertilize lightly, three or more times a week, but do not over-fertilize, because this causes burning. Two to three cups of organic matter should be applied per week, but stop this application in the last week in August.
Rose care at this time of year means keeping spider mites at bay, as they thrive in summer's heat and humidity. Keep them at bay by spraying the buds and leaves of your plants lightly with water.
Deadheading is another important part of summer rose care, as it allows plants maximum strength for promotion of new growth, so be sure not to neglect this task.
Towards the end of August begin the process of cutting back rose bushes, as this makes them ready for late autumn blooming.
Any branches or stems which are growing towards the center of bushes should be trimmed to increase air circulation and remove the spider mites' prime breeding spots. It also reduces the likelihood of fungal infections developing in the hot moist part in the center of bushes.
Pruning of canes needs to be timed carefully if you want to exhibit in shows during the fall, so that the bushes have time for recycling.
Below is a guideline for recycling times of various rose species. This is a guideline only as times will vary according to growing conditions, including the plant's health, temperature and condition of the soil.
-Very fast recycling varieties (35-39 days): 'Playgirl', 'Playboy', 'Dainty Bess'.
< -Fast varieties (40-44 days): 'Fragrant Cloud', 'First Prize', 'Altissimo'.-Average varieties (45-49 days): 'French Lace', 'Nicole', 'Gold Medal', 'Double Delight', 'Color Magic'.
-Medium slow varieties (50-54 days): 'Olympiad', 'Peace', 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Crystalline'.
-Slow varieties (50-60 days): 'Touch of Class', 'New Zealand', 'Uncle Joe'.
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