Roses are a sight to behold when they bloom in summer, but their trademark appearance and floral scent will fail to impress without proper care. Like most fast-growing varieties, roses need to be carefully maintained to reach their full potential – and gardening expert Sarah Raven has shared exactly how to do it. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, she explained that the “key” lies in where the flowers are planted.
The British gardener and author said: “Fertile soil is key to growing roses. If you have poor soil, improve it first by incorporating compost or well-rotted manure into the planting position.
“Most roses need a position in full sun to flower well – the site needs to spend at least 50 percent of the day in the sun.
“Some varieties of rose can tolerate partial shade. Bare root roses should be planted November to March but containerised roses can be planted all year round.”
Of course, for those who have already planted their roses, it may be time to consider moving them for better results.
According to gardening expert David Domoney, this can be done even with established bushes.
He said: “Whatever the reason, it is possible to transplant a rose at any time of the year. Although, ideally it should be moved between October and February. So, if you have a choice, ideally do it between those months.”
No matter when gardeners choose to move it, the expert recommended cutting the plant back to between 30cm and 45cm before digging it up. Another thing to do is make space for the plant in the new planting site.
And when it comes to lifting the plant, the aim is to do with “as many roots as possible” still intact.
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The long tap roots, which look like fangs, should also be preserved when transplanting.
If doing so in the summer, there is a crucial difference to consider when moving roses. After cutting the plant back hard, all of the leaves should be removed.
The rose plant should be watered well the day before moving it to ensure it is fully hydrated and dug up first thing in the morning.
After this, the rose needs to be left in a bucket soaking all day and overnight before being replanted the following day – preferably in the morning. David added: “It’s very important to cut it back hard and water it in well and then regularly after replanting it.”
Established roses may not flower straight away after being moved, but they should improve the following year.
Sarah noted: “Many roses are not repeat-flowering – most ramblers, for example, flower just once – a rose in a shade will also struggle to flower.”
And when it comes to continued care for garden roses, there’s an easy way to stop them from failing.
The British gardener and author told Express.co.uk: “Deadheading and picking repeat-flowering roses will encourage them to continue flowering.
“Roses thrive in a sunny position with regular watering but drought or waterlogged soil can cause them to wilt. If they turn yellow, it could be that they’re not getting enough sun or are affected by black spot.
“If there is no evidence of fungal disease or pest attack, then there may be a lack of nutrients in the soil – use rose tonic to improve the situation.”
Once roses have been revived to their full health, the bright blooms can be picked for a stunning indoor display too. Sarah explained: “You can actually condition cut roses to make them last longer in a vase. Pick roses early in the morning and then sear the stem ends in boiling water for 20 seconds – this extends the vase life more effectively than cutting at a steep angle.
“Then plunge them up to their necks in a bucket of cold water, ideally overnight. When they’re ready to arrange, add a mini slosh of clear vinegar or a pinch of bicarbonate of soda into the vase water to make them last even longer.”
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