Roses

Cultural Information
Roses are America’s favorite flower coming in an array of colors from classic red, buttery yellow to a sunset orange and plant types. Choose from rose bushes, trees, ground covers and more.

Planting
Whether planting a plant-pot rose or one from a container, the principals remain the same.
1. Dig a hole at least twice the width of the root ball.
2. Using Pike Planting Mix combine one part natural soil and one part planting mix.
3. Place a small handful of E.B. Stone Sure Start in the bottom of the hole and incorporate into the soil.
4. Place the rose in the hole making sure the bud union is 1 to 2 inches above ground level.
5. Firmly tap soil to remove any air pockets.
6. Water in with Liquinox B1.

Fertilizing
1. Feed monthly with E.B. Stone Rose and Flower Food.
2. Feed every two weeks with THRIVE Rose.
3. Apply Sul-Po-Mag and an iron supplement in January to promote lusher foliage and brighter flowers.

Watering
While established roses are very tolerant of dry conditions, regular watering is important to keep them growing and blooming.

Care
January and February is the traditional time for pruning roses in the southeast. Pruning is done to accomplish two basic things:
1. Reduce plant size
2. Remove dead, old and unproductive canes.

Hybrid Tea and Similar Roses: Prune canes down to 12 to 18 inches high. Cut to an outside bud. Remove all weak and unproductive canes only leaving 5 to 7.

Climbing Roses: Leave the long canes and remove all side growth. Remove any old, woody canes.

Apply Bonide Rose Rx 3 in 1 at the first sign of aphids, spider mites or thrips.  Bonide Rose Rx 3 in 1 should also be applied weekly at the first sight of mildew, rust or black spot.