Page 15 - Thrapston Life June 2023

Once established, roses are deep rooted and should only need watering in very hot weather. However, water new roses regularly for the first few years until they become established. Water the soil around the base of the plant
consensus this can now be done in the autumn. Don’t be afraid to prune them hard. Pruning has two aims. It removes dead, diseased or damaged shoots and it opens up the centre of the plant
rather than the leaves and flowers. This will help deter fungal infection.
Plant them in rich, moist, well-
drained soil. Roses are hungry plants.
To encourage strong growth, feed
twice a year. First around March/ April
before flowering begins and again mid-
summer after the first flush of flowers.
Sprinkle a general-purpose fertiliser
or specific rose fertiliser on the soil
around the base of the plant. Roses in containers will need feeding more frequently.
Ideally prune them annually after they have flowered. Traditionally, this was done in late winter around February/ March, but there is a
Roses are hungry plants. To encourage strong growth, feed twice a year
to improve air circulation, again trying to deter fungal infection. The only exception is rambling roses as they flower on the previous year’s growth.
Potted roses sold in the garden centre can be planted year-round, but avoid frozen or waterlogged soil or during drought type conditions. Hopefully
you too will find a favourite rose that you can enjoy for years to come in your garden.
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Stephanie Wilson
The Barn Garden Centre, Oundle www.thebarngardencentre.co.uk