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Roses have a reputation for being high-maintenance. But, as controversial as it sounds, they’re not as needy as we make them out to be. In fact, a lot of the extra things we do to “help” are more about our own vanity than the plant’s actual needs. Roses are a lot easier to grow than most people think. These 15 tips will help you grow stronger, healthier roses that bloom longer.
1. Give Your Roses Lots of Sunlight Daily
Roses grow better when they get plenty of sunlight, especially in the morning. The sun helps to dry dew quickly, reducing the risk of fungal diseases like black spot. Look for a spot with open exposure rather than placing roses under trees or beside large shrubs, which can block the light and compete for nutrients.
If you’re not sure if the area gets enough sunlight, use a sunlight tracking app or observe how the light moves across your garden during the day.
2. Space Roses So They Don’t Compete for Air
Roses need proper airflow just as much as sunlight. When planting, give each bush enough room (2 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety) to avoid crowding. If roses are planted too densely, they trap moisture and invite disease. If you’re planting in containers, use pots at least 18 inches wide for each plant.
3. Plant at the Right Depth
Roses that are planted at the right depth will establish quickly and start growing right away. Dig a hole that’s wide and deep enough for the roots to spread out comfortably. For most roses, the bud union (the swollen area where the stems meet the roots) should sit just at or slightly below the soil surface.
In colder climates (USDA zones 6 and below), plant the bud union a couple of inches below the soil to protect it from the cold. A well-planted rose.
4. Provide Enough Phosphorus
Phosphorus helps roses develop strong roots and abundant flowers. Bone meal, rock phosphate, and many commercial rose foods are good sources of phosphorus. Work these into the soil at planting time and supplement during the growing season if your soil test shows there’s a deficiency. Phosphorus is especially important for young rose plants getting established.
5. Maintain Slightly Acidic Soil
Roses prefer soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too alkaline, you can correct it by adding elemental sulfur or peat moss to lower the pH. If it’s too acidic, adding a little
6. Water Deeply
Instead of watering a little every day, water your roses thoroughly (even if that means infrequently). This encourages roots to grow deeper, making the plant more drought-tolerant and less likely to wilt in summer heat.
Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger a few inches into the ground; if it’s dry, then it’s time to water. Water at the base of the plant so the leaves stay dry, which helps prevent disease.
7. Mulch to Keep Roots Cool
Mulching helps your roses in many ways, all of which lead to better growth. Mulch keeps the soil moist, stops weeds from growing, and keeps the roots cool when the weather is hot. Over time, mulch also adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down. If weeds start to show, simply add more mulch to cover them up and stifle their growth.
8. Fertilize Them Regularly
Roses use up a lot of nutrients, especially in the beginning when they’re growing fast. You need to add fertilizers at different stages of growth to replace the nutrients as they’re being used up.
Use a balanced rose fertilizer or consider organic options, such as composted manure and fish emulsion. Always remember to water well after applying fertilizer to avoid burning the roots
9. Remove Suckers Promptly
Suckers are shoots that grow from below the graft union or from the roots. They can sap energy from your main rose and slow its growth. Check regularly and remove suckers by cutting as close to the root as possible. If left unchecked, suckers can eventually take over the plant.
10. Prune for Better Health
Pruning makes your roses look tidy; it also helps them grow fuller and bloom better. Cut back dead or weak stems in early spring and shape the plant so air can move through the center. Every few years, remove one or two of the oldest, thickest canes at the base. Also, remove any stems that cross or rub against each other, since these can cause wounds that invite disease.
11. Watch for Pests
Roses, especially new shoots, attract pests like aphids, Japanese beetles, and other sap-sucking insects. Check under the leaves regularly for pests and act at the first sign of trouble. Holes in leaves, sticky residue, or deformed buds can be signs that your rose bush is housing pests. Spray them off with water or pick them by hand. Use
12. Keep an Eye Out for Disease
Common rose diseases include black spot, powdery mildew, and rust. If you notice yellowing leaves with black spots or a white powdery coating, remove the affected leaves and discard them (do not add them to the compost).
You can prevent these diseases by providing good air flow, watering at the base, and regular cleanup. If the disease persists, consider rose varieties that are bred to resist common problems.
13. Support Tall Varieties
Some roses, especially climbers and tall hybrid tea roses, require a little assistance to stay upright. Use stakes, trellises, or even a simple piece of garden twine to support their long canes.
This keeps the plant from flopping over and helps it grow fuller. Tie stems loosely so they have room to move in the wind, yet remain supported. Regularly check your supports and adjust as the plant grows.
14. Protect from Harsh Weather
Strong winds and late frosts can hinder the growth of roses. If it looks like it’s about to get cold, cover your plants with burlap or an old sheet overnight. For wind, a simple windbreak made from stakes and garden fabric can make a big difference, especially for young plants. In hot climates, a little afternoon shade can help prevent sunburn on leaves and flowers.
15. Clean Up Fallen Leaves
Old leaves and petals on the ground provide a favorable breeding ground for pests and diseases. Make a habit of picking up fallen debris around your roses, especially after storms or heavy rain.
A quick cleanup every week or two helps prevent problems from developing. If you notice any diseased leaves, remove them immediately and dispose of them in the trash.
Sandra Enuma
Sandra Enuma is a writer who's as comfortable with a trowel as she is with a keyboard. She’s passionate about sharing simple, down-to-earth tips to help you start and manage your own home garden, no matter your experience.
