Roses are one of the nation’s favourite flowers but sometimes have a reputation of being hard to grow. Phil Scott, Rose Gardener at RHS Garden Rosemoor shares his secrets for growing top quality roses in your garden.
1.Select a variety that is disease resistant. Old fashioned roses rather than modern varieties are often more disease resistant. (e.g. Tuscany Superb or Felicity Parmentier)
2.If you do choose a rose that is susceptible to disease then be prepared to spray. Spray with fungicide such as Rose Clear or similar product
3.They will need feeding. Feed in the spring with blood, fish and bone (as per manufacturer’s instructions) A liquid feed could be incorporated into your spray regime. We sometimes use a rose tonic specifically for the roses called ‘Uncle Tom’s Rose Tonic’
4.Throughout the season repeat flowering varieties will need to be periodically deadheaded. This prolongs the flowering period and will also help their vigour and flower production by not diverting energy to forming seed.
5.Select the right variety for the location. Example, a shorter growing climber for limited space (Warm Welcome – a bright orange repeat flowering climber) For the taller situation, for example to grow through trees, Paul’s Himalayan Musk, provides spectacular sight in the summer.
If you want to discover more about growing roses or just admire our collection of over 2,000 roses then come along to RHS Garden Rosemoor’s Rose Weekend on 21 – 22 June. This weekend celebrates the heavenly scent of the garden in mid-summer with specialist rose advice, rose identification and guided walks around Rosemoor’s stunning rose gardens. Talk by Mike Sokolowski, Sales Manager of David Austin Roses at 12noon on Saturday only, a wide selection of their beautiful plants for sale in the Plant Centre and a floral-themed craft market in the Marquee, this weekend is not to be missed.
A member of the RHS Advisory Service will be on site for both days to give expert advice on all aspects of gardening.
http://162.13.147.113/gardens/whats-on-at-rhs-gardens/whats-on-at-rhs-garden-rosemoor
