Roses are valued not only for their aromatic scent but also for their striking appearance. A well-cared for, flowering rose bush can be grown as a focal point in your garden, as an addition to your perennial beds, or as a hedge to protect your privacy. With the following tips for lush rose blooms, you'll enjoy bigger, brighter, and fragrant flowers all summer long.
Tips for lush rose blooms: How to promote long-lasting blooms
Roses are certainly one of the most beautiful flowers we can grow in our garden. They come in a variety of colors and make great decorations for any outdoor space. With a little care and attention, you can keep your roses blooming all season long.
Cut the roses regularly
One of the best tips to get your plant to bloom profusely isthe regular pruning.
Remove any dead, damaged or diseased shoots to encourage new growth. Prune any black shoots until healthy green growth occurs. Eliminate shoots inside the plant that cross each other to facilitate air circulation.
Removing old flowers is also necessary as it encourages new flower formation. As long as you consistently remove spent blooms, your rose will continue to bloom throughout the summer instead of wasting energy on seed production. Use clean, sharp pruning shears and cut just below the flower head.
Remember that removing flower heads on single-blooming roses will not result in additional blooms. These varieties only bloom once a year, but they have other benefits.
Fertilize the rose bushes properly
Like many plants with large flowers, roses are heavy feeders and if they bloom all summer long, they will need at least three doses of fertilizer. The first fertilization should be done in spring and the two more - in mid-June and July so that the flowers continue to grow.
We have compiled the best natural fertilizers that promote lush rose blooms.
- Eggshells:They are rich in calcium and this strengthens the tissues of the rose, resulting in healthier blooms. Crush the eggshells and scatter them over the soil around the rose.
- Banana peels:They contain phosphorus, which promotes flowering. Grind 2-3 banana peels in a blender, add some water and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes. Then pour the solution directly onto the soil beneath the rose once a week.
- Coffee grounds:The nitrogen in coffee grounds is very helpful for roses. Sprinkle some on the ground, being careful as too much can damage the roses.
- Alfalfa:It provides nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, iron and other nutrients to roses. Work alfalfa meal or alfalfa pellets into the soil around the plant, using 35g for a larger bush and 18g for smaller bushes.
Choose the right location
Like all flowers, roses need lots of sunlight. Make sure your roses are in a location that receives at least six hours of sun per day so they can bloom properly. A shady location will result in fewer or no flowers.
Make sure your roses have enough room to grow. A good distance of 60cm to 90cm between plants is crucial for air circulation and root spread.
The moist soil promotes flower formation
Roses grow best in full sun in cool, moist soil. They have greater water needs in the summer when new growth begins and flower buds develop.
For a longer flowering period and lush flowers, you should keep the soil evenly moist.
Water roses thoroughly by watering newly planted bushes every other day and established roses once a week.
Tips for lush rose blooms: Mulch
Mulch the roses to encourage more rose petals. Apply a 5 cm thick layer on the soil, keeping a distance of 8 cm from the rose. Make sure that the mulch does not come into contact with the rosewood.
The mulch helps keep the soil cool and provides nutrients to the plant. This way you can offer your roses the optimal conditions for stronger, lush blooms.
Treat pest infestations quickly
The flowering of roses can be affected by pests such as aphids, thrips, spider mites and whiteflies as they eat the leaves and destroy the flowers.
It is therefore important to check the roses regularly and to quickly identify and treat pest infestations. You can simply spray aphids and spider mites with a garden hose to keep them at bayfight with natural means.
Prevent diseases
Diseases such as black spot, powdery mildew and rose rosette virus can not only damage the plant but also affect flowering.
Water roses only at the base to prevent fungal diseases and keep appropriate distance between plants for better air circulation.
