They require minimal maintenance. With just a little effort, you can have glorious blooms all season long. You should prune canes once leaf buds appear in the
spring to stimulate plant growth. Cut each cane back by half. Use sharp scissors or clippers. Fertilize
roses each
spring once new growth appears. Use a
rose-specific fertilizer and follow label directions carefully.
rose fertilizer is available as a liquid concentrate and as pellets. Liquid concentrate is mixed with water and poured at the base of the plant. Pellet form fertilizer is shaken on the soil around the plant. Either application is effective; pellets are applied less often than the liquid concentrate. Work shredded leaves, compost or other organic material into the ground around the
rose bush. Do not disturb the plant's roots. Shovel a 1- to 3-inch layer of mulch on top of the soil surrounding the
rose; this helps the plant retain moisture and limits
weed growth. Avoid laying mulch up against the base of plant as that could cause stem rot.
Water plant once or twice a week, supplementing the natural rainfall. Water deeply and aim for the base of the plant.
roses require 4-5 gallons of water per week during the
growing season. Shallow watering may cause the development of weak roots. Prune the
rose bush as
flowers finish blooming. This will stimulate new growth. Once a
flower is done blooming, cut back that cane. Perform the cut with sharp scissors or clippers and aim for a spot directly above a leaf bud. New growth will appear just below the cut.