NC Cooperative Extension Service

Our mission is to help people improve the quality of their lives through
research-based information and informal educational opportunities focused on issues and needs.


Master Gardenersm Column for the Week of May 30, 2005
Charlie Spencer
Brunswick County Extension Master Gardenersm Volunteer

GROWING ROSES

We receive many calls on the Master Gardenersm Hotline concerning growing roses. As I ask callers, "Which would you rather raise, a baby or a rose?" There is almost as much work involved in either endeavor.

However, if you decide to try cultivating roses, the following information should be of some assistance in ensuring success. If you decide on the baby, you're on your own!

If a healthy rose is planted in decent soil, properly watered and fed, provided with good drainage, full sun (5-6 hours daily), disease and insect control, anyone should be able to raise quality roses.

The four main parts of good soil are organic matter, air, water, and inorganic materials. A good loam-type soil is ideal for roses. Organic material improves water retention and soil structure. After decomposition and nutrient release, a stable material known as humus remains. Humus has long been known to be helpful to both soil function and structure. Structure is important in that it allows for oxygen transfer that is needed for the roots of any growing plant. If the soil is water-logged, air is displaced. Roots immersed for long periods of time can harm the plant and eventually may cause it to die. Roses, along with many other plants, do not like "wet feet."

Roses, however, require a relatively large amount of water as long as there is good drainage. Food comes from soil solution and the plant through the root system in a form dissolved in water. Organic plant food is broken down by soil microbes before it becomes available to the plant.

As with most plants, a rosebush is a factory for making leaves, roses, stems, etc. Energy is supplied by the sun through a process known as photosynthesis, performed primarily through green leaves. In photosynthesis, water from the roots and carbon dioxide from the air continue chemically to make glucose, which is a simple sugar. The glucose provides an energy source throughout the rose and is used as a building block for other substances. A minimum of 5-6 hours of sun is necessary to grow quality roses.

Roses are heavy feeders and require a well-balanced food source. Most of the major fertilizer companies provide a quality rose fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation on the label.

A concerted effort will be required to effectively control insects and diseases. Two of the most common diseases are blackspot and powdery mildew. Controlling these two is best accomplished by prevention rather than cures. Diseases are likely to overwinter and cause this year's problems. Methods of prevention include pruning canes, which may harbor disease, and removing all dead and diseased leaves under the plant. Start a fungicide (rose-specific) spray program with surface protection at 10- to 14-day intervals. Always read and follow directions on the label. Keep the soil under the rose clean of any fallen leaves or debris.

Regular spraying with insecticides is usually not required. Monitor your plants, and if insect damage exceeds acceptable levels, identify the insect, and then spray with an insecticide that is specific for that insect. Always follow safety instructions on the label when spraying any chemical.

After following all these instructions, you may decide it is easier to raise a baby. Don't give up. Beautiful roses await you.

Send your gardening questions or comments to: Brunswick County Master Gardener Column, P.O. Box 109, Bolivia, NC 28422, or call (910) 253-2610. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting information or a reply. Answers may be printed in this column.

North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

For further information or assistance, please e-mail:
Charlie Spencer, Brunswick County Extension Master GardenersmVolunteer

Back to the Master Gardenersm News Column Page of the Brunswick County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

Back to the Home Page of the Brunswick County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

This site is maintained by Kathy Walters.
URL Address: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/brunswick/


Date Created 5/16/2005