Rosebush

An elaborate curtain of voluptuously shaped and magnificently coloured
roses will certainly make a grand statement in any garden. Are you aware
that the rosebush has predated human evolution? Yes, this most
beautiful flower that is associated with love is one of the historic
plants in the world.

Growing rosebushes

There are many kinds of roses…all are recognized for their heady
fragrance and beauty. Many people have the notion that growing roses is a
difficult and often unrewarding task. After all the hardships of
growing this plant, after all the nasty scratches from the plant’s
thorns, it would not show even a single bud. A lot of gardeners are not
aware that for a rose to grow, the plant has to have rich well-drained
soil, water and sunlight. Roses would thrive best in soil with pH that
ranges from 6.5 to 6.8 and 5 to 6 hours of full sunlight. Rosebush has
to have lots of elbow room as well.

Pruning Rosebushes

Pruning is done to remove old canes and also to remove branches that can
get entangled in the center of the bush. Pruning creates healthy and
beautifully shaped bushes as air circulation is improved thereby
preventing the development of diseases. Although there are really no
specific rules on how pruning must be done, it is also not advisable to
haphazardly cut the branches. Pruning entails the cutting of the cane
about half its height. The 45 degree angle cut must be made above a leaf
bud that is facing outward. This will ensure that the branch will grow
outward and not towards the center of the plant. Branches that grow
towards the center of the plant tends to be weak and to get entangled
with other branches so that air circulation is hampered.

Preventing rose diseases

Compared to other plants, roses are more prone to diseases. Black spots,
a fungal disorder is the most common killer of roses. Rosebushes are
prone to attacks of damaging insects as well. Leaves that are attacked
by these pests must be removed immediately to get rid of the insects as
well as the eggs laid on the leaves. Synthetic chemicals can be used to
get rid of these pesky pests but package directions must be carefully
followed.

Minnesota tip

Roses are hardy plants. Rose enthusiasts are often heard asserting that
it would be difficult to kill a rose. However, harsh winters can really
be real challenges for these plants. The Minnesota tip is one way of
providing roses with winter protection. The roots are loosened on one
side of the plant. The canes that are tied together are gently laid into
a trench that is about 8 inch deep and covered with soil. The buried
plant is then covered with about 6 inches of leaves when the ground
freezes.