141HELP THEM GROW
Roses may look delicate and beautiful
but they are tough and hardy plants if
given the right care.
◆ PLANT in a position that receives
at least six hours of sun a day and is
protected from strong winds. Don’t
plant roses too close to trees as their
roots will compete for water and
nutrients. Prepare the soil before
planting by digging in cow manure or
well-rotted compost. Add liquid lime
if the soil is acidic.
◆ WATER a newly planted rose every
three to four days for the irst three
to four weeks to help the feeder roots
become established. Keep the soil
moist but not overwet or sogg y.
Once the rose is established,
provide good, deep soakings once
a week at ground level. If watering
from overhead, do so in the early
morning so the foliage can dry out
and reduce fungal disease.◆ FEED established roses after winter
pruning with a layer of cow manure
around the base of each plant. As
spring approaches, feed with a complete
rose or citrus fertiliser and repeat every
six to eight weeks throughout the
growing season. Or, you can use a
six-month controlled-release fertiliser
in spring, then sprinkle pelletised
poultry manure after each lush of
blooms. Always water before and after
applying fertiliser.
◆ MULCH to keep roots cool and
moist, encourage earthworm activity,
suppress weeds and reduce the spread
of diseases such as black spot. Apply
a 5cm layer of mulch when planting
and top up in midsummer if necessary.
Use lucerne hay, pea straw or sugar
cane. Keep mulch away from the stem.
Mulch potted roses, too.
◆ MAINTENANCE Deadhead spent
PICTURE lowers to encourage more growth. ▶
CHERYL MADDOCKS
A sprinkle of sulphate of potash
around roses helps them to naturally
defend against fungal attack by
thickening the cell walls of foliage.Australia’s
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