Grow Great Roses: The Organic Way
Put your chemicals away - use these eight easy, earth-friendly ways
to grow healthy roses.
Since antiquity, roses have been prized around the world for their
beauty. Yet these lovely flowers can be picky in the garden,
suffering from annoying pests and pathogens. Frustrated
gardeners sometimes find themselves reaching for the fungicide
or pulling the plants out completely.
Want to grow healthy roses without gallons of commercial
sprays? Consider these eight earth-friendly tips:
Choose Resistant Roses
Start right by selecting roses suited for your area. Before
planting, study your climate, zone, soil type and other conditions.
A variety that grows well in one region may suffer greatly
elsewhere. Your local cooperative extension office, gardening
center or rose garden club can provide recommendations.
Hybrid teas are the most popular roses, but also the most
disease-prone. In humid climates, try fungal disease-resistant
varieties such as the vivid pink ‘Keepsake’ or apricot-blend ‘Just
Joey.’ Or try the striking ‘Voodoo,’ with orange, yellow and peach
tones. Hybrid teas are especially vulnerable to winter cold, but
cold-weather gardeners do have some good options: the classic
red ‘Mister Lincoln,’ deep pink ‘Electron’ or ‘Double Delight,’ with
creamy white petals edged in red. They grow in arid, high altitude
climates, as well as moist conditions.
Rugosa and hybrid rugosa roses are among the easiest to
grow. They are disease resistant, heat tolerant, cold hardy and
even like ocean air. To avoid chemical damage to foliage, don't
spray them with pesticides, fungicides or other chemicals.
Some of the prettiest are the aromatic white ‘Blanc Double de
Coubert,’ magenta ‘Hansa’ and silvery pink ‘Frau Dagmar Hartopp’
(“Fru Dagmar Hastrup”). Canadian Rose Society members like the
fragrant double pink ‘Thérèse Bugnet.' Very cold hardy, this rose
(hardy to USDA Zone 3) grows in warmer Southern gardens as
well.
Other shrub roses offer low-maintenance options. ‘The Fairy’ has
good resistance against fungal diseases, and grows in much of
the country and parts of Canada. ‘Carefree Beauty’ lives up to
its name, growing in many hot dry gardens as well as cool humid
ones.
In Florida, choose roses grafted onto disease-resistant
‘Fortuniana’ rootstock, as others won’t survive.
Pick the Right Spot
If you plant your roses in the right spot, they'll be healthier and
more resistant to pests and diseases. Roses need six hours of
direct sunlight daily, although they do better with some afternoon
shade in hot climates.
Note the plant's mature size before you dig and allow enough
space for growing room. Adequate air circulation discourages
diseases and contributes to plant health.
Roses require excellent drainage to prevent root rot and other
ailments. If you have heavy clay soil that drains slowly, consider
planting roses in raised beds.
Plant in Good Soil
Healthy soil prevents many problems. Roses grow best in slightly
acidic soil (pH 6.2-6.8). More alkaline soils are suitable, but
they're more likely to suffer from micronutrient deficiencies as pH
increases. Make soil more acidic by adding elemental sulfur.
(Follow package instructions.)
Fertilize roses before and during the growing season, stopping
two months before the first frost. Sandy soils with little organic
matter should be fertilized more often than clay soil with much
organic material.
Avoid over-fertilizing roses with high-nitrogen fertilizers. They will
over-stimulate plant growth and attract aphids that attack young
rose shoots. Instead, use balanced organic or natural fertilizers
that release nutrients slowly. Add compost too, because it adds
beneficial microorganisms that improve the soil.
Use mulch to improve soil structure, conserve water, control
weeds, keep roots cooler in hot weather and reduce the spread
of disease spores. Early in the growing season, apply 2 to 3
inches of organic material, such as compost, shredded leaves or
fine wood chips. Leave a couple of inches between rose stems
and mulch.
Water Regularly
Roses need 1-2 inches of water weekly. Too little water can lead
to sun burnt rose canes, defoliation and spider mite problems.
Too much can lead to root diseases and nutritional deficiencies.
Avoid wetting foliage whenever possible; wet leaves may
encourage fungal diseases. Consider drip irrigation systems and
soaker hoses that deliver water straight to the roots without
wetting foliage. If you use a sprinkler, water early so the plant
dries during the day.
Check soil moisture regularly. Sandy soils require more irrigation
than clay soils, which retain moisture better. If your area has lots
of summer fog, rain or humidity, you’ll need to water less than
arid, hot regions.
Give Ongoing Support
Good sanitary practices reduce pathogens and pests. Remove
diseased leaves, shoots or flowers regularly. After pruning a
diseased plant, clean clippers with a solution made up of nine
parts water to one part bleach.
Check your roses often and tackle problems early. It’s harder to
help a plant bounce back once the problem becomes severe.
Encourage Diversity
A garden filled with nothing but roses may look beautiful, but
you'll have an easier time keeping your rose garden healthy if it
includes a variety of diverse plants.
Consider planting annuals, herbs, fruits and even vegetables
near your roses. Many rosarians swear by garlic and other
members of the allium family. Sprays containing garlic extracts
have insecticidal properties.
French marigolds (Tagetes patula) and African marigolds (Tagetes
ereta) secrete a root substance that kills some nematodes. By
increasing your plant diversity, you’ll attract beneficial insects and
reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
Attract Beneficial Insects
Not all insects are pests. Lady beetles, green lacewigs and
parasitic wasps are friends of roses and natural predators of rose
pests such as aphids.
Look for lady beetles in garden centers or purchase them from
mailorder companies. Before releasing them in the early evening,
mist your garden and beetles. Then place beetles on the canes
at the base of plants.
To attract more beneficial insects to your garden, encourage plant
diversity and avoid using pesticides.
Consider Less-Toxic Pesticides
Even the best rose gardens have pest or disease problems once
in a while. If your roses need help, try less-toxic protection from
insecticidal soap, horticultural oil and neem oil.
These products only mildly affect beneficial insects. But always
read labels carefully before using. Some gardeners swear by
homemade garlic- and cayenne-based water sprays to keep
pests away. If you can stand the smell, give it a try.
Sometimes you may not need chemicals at all. A strong stream of
water with your hose can reduce aphids, spider mites and other
pests on your roses.
Will these ideas eliminate all your rose problems? Probably not.
But you will be surprised how easily you can grow beautiful roses
without chemical sprays, especially when you select the right
roses, apply good gardening practices and tolerate a little
imperfection.
Put your chemicals away - use these eight easy, earth-friendly ways
to grow healthy roses.
Since antiquity, roses have been prized around the world for their
beauty. Yet these lovely flowers can be picky in the garden,
suffering from annoying pests and pathogens. Frustrated
gardeners sometimes find themselves reaching for the fungicide
or pulling the plants out completely.
Want to grow healthy roses without gallons of commercial
sprays? Consider these eight earth-friendly tips:
Choose Resistant Roses
Start right by selecting roses suited for your area. Before
planting, study your climate, zone, soil type and other conditions.
A variety that grows well in one region may suffer greatly
elsewhere. Your local cooperative extension office, gardening
center or rose garden club can provide recommendations.
Hybrid teas are the most popular roses, but also the most
disease-prone. In humid climates, try fungal disease-resistant
varieties such as the vivid pink ‘Keepsake’ or apricot-blend ‘Just
Joey.’ Or try the striking ‘Voodoo,’ with orange, yellow and peach
tones. Hybrid teas are especially vulnerable to winter cold, but
cold-weather gardeners do have some good options: the classic
red ‘Mister Lincoln,’ deep pink ‘Electron’ or ‘Double Delight,’ with
creamy white petals edged in red. They grow in arid, high altitude
climates, as well as moist conditions.
Rugosa and hybrid rugosa roses are among the easiest to
grow. They are disease resistant, heat tolerant, cold hardy and
even like ocean air. To avoid chemical damage to foliage, don't
spray them with pesticides, fungicides or other chemicals.
Some of the prettiest are the aromatic white ‘Blanc Double de
Coubert,’ magenta ‘Hansa’ and silvery pink ‘Frau Dagmar Hartopp’
(“Fru Dagmar Hastrup”). Canadian Rose Society members like the
fragrant double pink ‘Thérèse Bugnet.' Very cold hardy, this rose
(hardy to USDA Zone 3) grows in warmer Southern gardens as
well.
Other shrub roses offer low-maintenance options. ‘The Fairy’ has
good resistance against fungal diseases, and grows in much of
the country and parts of Canada. ‘Carefree Beauty’ lives up to
its name, growing in many hot dry gardens as well as cool humid
ones.
In Florida, choose roses grafted onto disease-resistant
‘Fortuniana’ rootstock, as others won’t survive.
Pick the Right Spot
If you plant your roses in the right spot, they'll be healthier and
more resistant to pests and diseases. Roses need six hours of
direct sunlight daily, although they do better with some afternoon
shade in hot climates.
Note the plant's mature size before you dig and allow enough
space for growing room. Adequate air circulation discourages
diseases and contributes to plant health.
Roses require excellent drainage to prevent root rot and other
ailments. If you have heavy clay soil that drains slowly, consider
planting roses in raised beds.
Plant in Good Soil
Healthy soil prevents many problems. Roses grow best in slightly
acidic soil (pH 6.2-6.8). More alkaline soils are suitable, but
they're more likely to suffer from micronutrient deficiencies as pH
increases. Make soil more acidic by adding elemental sulfur.
(Follow package instructions.)
Fertilize roses before and during the growing season, stopping
two months before the first frost. Sandy soils with little organic
matter should be fertilized more often than clay soil with much
organic material.
Avoid over-fertilizing roses with high-nitrogen fertilizers. They will
over-stimulate plant growth and attract aphids that attack young
rose shoots. Instead, use balanced organic or natural fertilizers
that release nutrients slowly. Add compost too, because it adds
beneficial microorganisms that improve the soil.
Use mulch to improve soil structure, conserve water, control
weeds, keep roots cooler in hot weather and reduce the spread
of disease spores. Early in the growing season, apply 2 to 3
inches of organic material, such as compost, shredded leaves or
fine wood chips. Leave a couple of inches between rose stems
and mulch.
Water Regularly
Roses need 1-2 inches of water weekly. Too little water can lead
to sun burnt rose canes, defoliation and spider mite problems.
Too much can lead to root diseases and nutritional deficiencies.
Avoid wetting foliage whenever possible; wet leaves may
encourage fungal diseases. Consider drip irrigation systems and
soaker hoses that deliver water straight to the roots without
wetting foliage. If you use a sprinkler, water early so the plant
dries during the day.
Check soil moisture regularly. Sandy soils require more irrigation
than clay soils, which retain moisture better. If your area has lots
of summer fog, rain or humidity, you’ll need to water less than
arid, hot regions.
Give Ongoing Support
Good sanitary practices reduce pathogens and pests. Remove
diseased leaves, shoots or flowers regularly. After pruning a
diseased plant, clean clippers with a solution made up of nine
parts water to one part bleach.
Check your roses often and tackle problems early. It’s harder to
help a plant bounce back once the problem becomes severe.
Encourage Diversity
A garden filled with nothing but roses may look beautiful, but
you'll have an easier time keeping your rose garden healthy if it
includes a variety of diverse plants.
Consider planting annuals, herbs, fruits and even vegetables
near your roses. Many rosarians swear by garlic and other
members of the allium family. Sprays containing garlic extracts
have insecticidal properties.
French marigolds (Tagetes patula) and African marigolds (Tagetes
ereta) secrete a root substance that kills some nematodes. By
increasing your plant diversity, you’ll attract beneficial insects and
reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
Attract Beneficial Insects
Not all insects are pests. Lady beetles, green lacewigs and
parasitic wasps are friends of roses and natural predators of rose
pests such as aphids.
Look for lady beetles in garden centers or purchase them from
mailorder companies. Before releasing them in the early evening,
mist your garden and beetles. Then place beetles on the canes
at the base of plants.
To attract more beneficial insects to your garden, encourage plant
diversity and avoid using pesticides.
Consider Less-Toxic Pesticides
Even the best rose gardens have pest or disease problems once
in a while. If your roses need help, try less-toxic protection from
insecticidal soap, horticultural oil and neem oil.
These products only mildly affect beneficial insects. But always
read labels carefully before using. Some gardeners swear by
homemade garlic- and cayenne-based water sprays to keep
pests away. If you can stand the smell, give it a try.
Sometimes you may not need chemicals at all. A strong stream of
water with your hose can reduce aphids, spider mites and other
pests on your roses.
Will these ideas eliminate all your rose problems? Probably not.
But you will be surprised how easily you can grow beautiful roses
without chemical sprays, especially when you select the right
roses, apply good gardening practices and tolerate a little
imperfection.
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| Article published in Gardening How-To Magazine March/April 2006 |
More on this subject:
4 Common Pests
4 Common Diseases
Rose Resources
4 Common Pests
4 Common Diseases
Rose Resources
Photo by Isabel Gomes
Photo by Isabel Gomes
Photo by Isabel Gomes
Other Gardening Articles:
Bee-Friendly Gardens
Edible Flowers
Early-Blooming Flowers
Healthy Vegetables
Bee-Friendly Gardens
Edible Flowers
Early-Blooming Flowers
Healthy Vegetables