Babies, it’s still cold outside, but we’re not far off the point where our gardens wake up in earnest – along with our beloved roses. Or, at least, they wouldif only we knew what we were doing.
No matter your USDA Planting Zonethere’s no denying that timing and technique make all the difference to roses. And making a few small adjustments now can mean a garden bursting with color and fragrance when summer hits its stride.
I love roses, whether it’s a basic bloom or a deeply meaningful birth month rose. However, I often find myself neglecting them over the winter months (just call me a fair-weather friend, I guess).
To make sure I get the most from them come summer, I went straight to the experts: experienced rosarians who’ve spent decades coaxing the most beautiful blooms from these famously finicky plants. I wanted to know what I should be doing right now to set myself up for a dazzling summer display.
What the Rosarians Advise
Before spring really kicks in, I wanted to know what rosarians actually do to prep their roses. Craig Dorschel, Master Rosarian and President of the American Rose Societytold me that it depends on your winter.
“In colder climates, rosarians protect their roses and mostly wait until dormancy, spending the time browsing catalogs, sharpening tools, and planning the growing season ahead,” he explained. “In milder zones like Florida, the roses never truly go dormant, so rosarians focus on stripping off old leaves to get ready for pruning.”
Pruning Essentials:
Gonicc Professional Rotating Bypass Pruning Shears
Titanium-coated steel blades stay sharp for clean cuts, and cushioned handles and a rotating action bring comfort.
Rexbeti Folding Pruning Saw With Extra Long Blade
An 11-inch steel blade with staggered teeth cuts efficiently through branches, and it folds for safe storage.
Fiskars 28″ Heavy Duty Loppers for Tree Trimming
Durable anti-stick steel blades and a 28-inch length make these loppers a great choice for most small-garden trees.
It was the first time I realized how much of rose care is about preparation, not just action. And there are plenty more practical tips where they came from, too.
1. Find Sunshine
Sun, it turns out, is non-negotiable. Wes Harvell, a rosarian at Jackson & Perkinsstressed that roses need at least six hours of direct sunlight, and ideally eight or more, with morning sun especially important to dry leaves quickly and prevent disease.
2. Feed the Soil, Not Just the Plant
Wes also reminded me that roses aren’t just heavy feeders: they thrive in rich, living soil.
(Image credit: Lisa Romerein/Getty Images)
“Work compost or well-rotted manure into the bed and supplement with a balanced rose fertilizer during the growing season,” he suggests.
Something like Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Rose Plant Food should do the trick.
3. Water Deeply
When it comes to rose care, Wes is very clear on one thing in particular: shallow watering leads to weak roots.
As such, he suggests deep watering at the base so moisture reaches 12-18 inches down, rather than shallow, frequent sprinklings that produce weak roots.
4. Prune and Mulch Like a Pro
Pruning, according to Wes, should be done confidently (and by sticking to the Three Ds rule).
“Don’t be shy. Prune in early spring when buds swell, cutting back to outward-facing bud eye to improve airflow and shape. Removing old, weak canes encourages healthier new growth,” he says.
Mulchingtoo, is vital for healthy roses. “A 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch keeps roots cool, holds moisture, and suppresses weeds,” adds Wes, noting that, as it breaks down, it improves soil structure over time.
Try something like R&M Organics Premium Organic Compost for this.
(Image credit: Syan / Getty Images)
Finally, Wes gave me the ultimate tip for easier, rosier summers ahead: choose disease-resistant varieties.
“Modern shrub roses and many heirloom types are bred for resistance,” he says, promising this makes for fewer sprays, less fuss, and more reward for your effort. Which means, yes, my eye is now very much on the vibrant Coral Knock Out® Shrub Rose from Nature Hills.
With these insights, I realized that getting a show-stopping rose garden isn’t about doing everythingbut doing the right things at the right time – as in, right now, before the buds even start to swell.
Time to get busy, then, I guess…
