Roses: Flowers of Beauty

Roses have always been considered as the ultimate in beauty and luxury and are still a source of inspiration, wonder and pleasure. Roses are so diverse in habit there is one to suit almost every garden. Roses can be grown in combination with other shrubs, to fit formal or informal settings, or be grown in beds, containers and even hanging baskets.

Hybrid Tea roses are the most popular of all roses planted. They bear the largest blooms with the perfection of fullness and shape associated with the modern roses. Hybrid Teas are suitable for growing in formal rose beds and make wonderful specimens for vases, either singly or in bunches.

Floribunda roses grow in bush form and bloom more continuously than the Hybrid Teas. They flower in large clusters or trusses with many blooms opening at the same time. They withstand severe frost and are comparatively trouble-free, growing in sandy soils where Hybrid Tea varieties may fail.

Old garden roses are also often referred to as David Austin roses. These comprise the many roses, mostly fully double that were in gardens before 1860, the date that marks the advent of the hybrid teas.

Miniature and patio roses can be grown in pots, window boxes, rockeries and in front of taller roses to form a border. They are not suitable as permanent indoor plants, but may be brought inside temporarily when in flower.

Climbers and ramblers have tall stiff stems and blooms are borne singly or in clusters. They take time to properly establish and flowering will improve during their second year. Improve flower yield by training the side growth horizontally, not vertically.

Standard roses are Hybrid Tea or Floribunda roses that have been grafted on to a straight single trunk. Standard roses usually come in two heights - 1.5m or 2m. The best looking standards grow naturally into a bushy round ball, are free flowering and a mass of colour.

Be prepared

Roses will definitely not tolerate - constantly wet feet or being grown in the shade. All roses require a full sun position in a soil that freely drains excess moisture away.

Nearly all soil types can be prepared to grow roses successfully and a well-prepared soil gives roses a better start. Medium loam that is slightly acidic and reasonably rich in plant foods and humus is ideal.

All roses love what is referred to as a well-composted, well-fertilised soil, preferably one that retains enough moisture for shallow and deeper roots, but one that drains away excess water freely. The addition of compost, such as Searles Rose & Citrus Planting Compost, cow manure, blood and bone and complete fertiliser worked into the planting site would help to achieve this. Ideally, the ground should be prepared two months before planting. Roses prefer a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Seek advice from a Hawkins Horticultural Advisor if you are unsure about the pH level of your soil and how to adjust it.

If roses are to be planted into unprepared soil, mix a generous proportion of Searles Rose & Citrus Planting Compost with existing soil when planting. Do not fertilise until the bushes show signs of growth. Rose fertiliser can then be applied according to directions around the bush and watered in.

For best results

Roses make heavy demands on the reserves of nutrients in the soil. If one or more of the vital elements run short, then deficiency signs appear on the leaves or flowers. Use a balanced fertiliser that is formulated especially for roses according to the directions on the packet.

Fish and/or seaweed fertiliser sprayed over the foliage is beneficial as a supplement, to be used in conjunction with a balanced rose fertiliser. Used regularly every week as a foliage spray, fish and seaweed fertilisers helps the plant to build-up a resistance to fungal diseases, like powdery mildew and blackspot.

Straw mulch keeps the soil moist, reduces weeds and improves the structure of the soil. Mulch will greatly reduce the need for watering and weeding and also provides nutrition. Do not dig around roses unnecessarily.

Pest and Disease Patrol

The particular climate enjoyed by those living in and around Brisbane necessitates that gardeners be alert and ready to act when roses show signs of stress, particularly during humid and wet seasons. Choosing a full-sun position with plenty of air circulation can not be over emphasised when trying to minimise the incidence of blackspot and powdery mildew.

Blackspot and powdery mildew are fungal diseases and are most prevalent in warm, humid weather. Fungicides provide an effective treatment against blackspot and powdery mildew but to maintain full effectiveness, it may be necessary to alternate. Choose from a range of concentrate or ready-to-use formulas like Yates Rose Gun, Mancozeb Plus, Chemspray Zineb, Garden King Spotless.

Natural methods of control include regular weekly foliage sprays with fish and/or seaweed fertiliser. Neem oil has also been found to be effective in the battle against fungal infections and insect pests, especially when used in combination with Charlie Carp, a fishbased fertiliser.

Spores blowing from one rose to another spread fungal disease. Help keep it under control by practising hygiene. Remove and dispose of any affected leaves and water plants in the morning, rather than in the evening, only wetting the soil - not the foliage.

Aphids can cluster on new growth but can be controlled naturally with Pyrethrum or Natrasoap. Yates Confidor is another low-toxic, effective control for aphids. With the advantage of being systemic, Yates Confidor will not wash off and will continue working for up to three weeks.

Companion planting can help reduce aphids. Choose plants from the onion and garlic families like Tulbaghia ‘Society Garlic’. White louse scale can appear on stems and branches and must be removed. During the cooler months, brushing with a solution containing Chemspray Lime Sulphur is recommended. Garden King Multipest or Sulphur Spray can be used at other times.

Availability

Potted roses, considered to be Brisbane’s best range, are available from Hawkins Home & Garden Centres. Hybrid Tea, Floribunda and climbing roses usually become available mid-April with a comprehensive selection, including old garden roses, becoming available through winter and spring. Patio and miniature roses are available most of the year. Standard Roses become available during early spring, usually through until early summer.

Hawkins produces a Rose Catalogue each year, listing the roses available during the season. This catalogue also details the type of growth and flower description.

Happy Healthy Strong Guarantee

At Hawkins, they guarantee that every rose they sell will grow up healthy and strong, every time. If at any time you are not completely satisfied, return it to them with your receipt and they will replace the plant. They’re here to help you grow.

Further Information

At Hawkins Home & Garden Centres, Horticultural Advisors are always available to help you choose the right plants, soil conditioners, fertilisers and treatments most suitable for your particular needs. Just ask the experts at Hawkins.