Growing Roses

Who doesn’t love roses? Personally, I envy those who are knowledgeable about growing roses, and extra envious of those who know the names of all the different roses. Can roses grow in Phoenix? Fortunately, even in our withering heat, many varieties can thrive here. The key is knowing where to plant, when to plant, and how to maintain them. But often in neglected conditions or without tender care, roses are resilient plants. And in most planting zones, now is the time to consider planting roses.

Know your Planting Zone

It is very easy to find your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone by clicking here. And then just type in your address and you will find your zone~here is it 9b, where we experience low temperatures between 25 to 30 degrees F.

Once you know your specific hardiness zone, then you can internet search what you can grow and when. For example, I absolutely love hydrangeas and lilacs but they do not grow in 9b. Having this information will save you lots of money on plants and seeds that you love, but the environment may not be suitable.

Rose Season Starts in January

While it may seem counterintuitive to be pruning roses in January, this is the month that we heartily whack our rose bushes. Why is this important? It allows you to remove dead and diseased branches (also called “canes“). This rejuvenates the plant and encourage blooming. Pruning allows airflow through the shrub, while controlling the size and the shape of the plant.

In most hardiness zones, the best time to plant roses is early Spring. This is between late February (after the last frost) and early April.

Here is the last bouquet I cut before a hard pruning in January. This pruning is done for shape and to foster vigorous spring growth. Care of roses can be as complicated or straightforward as you care to make it, depending on the varieties you are growing and the zone in which it is grown. Remember to always select roses that are well suited to your area.

Planting New Rose Bushes

Each year we seem to lose one or two rose bushes, especially on those years where I am not paying attention to their monthly care.

One of my gardening friends always had the most beautiful rose bushes. When I asked her to reveal her secret, she shared this trick each time she plants a new bush.

Items you will need:

• Rose bush
• Hand full of iron nails from any hardware store
• A whole fish~found 6 frozen fish in a package at Food City as our regular grocery store only sells fillets

Dig your hole to the proper width and depth. Place a whole fish and a hand full of iron nails at the bottom of the hole. Slightly fill with a good mulch soil. Place the rose ball on top and fill in the rest with soil.

Depending on how long the rose bush has been in the container, I sometimes leave them in the container for a few weeks to establish a good root system. However, if the rose is root bound it’s important to get it out of the pot and into the soil.

Rich Soil, Fertilizer, Water

Roses grow best in rich, fertile soil that is kept evenly watered throughout the year. In March, I add new compost soil around the beds of the roses, removing weeds and turning up the dirt. In addition, I check the watering system and add a rose fertilizer. This rose food can be found at Whitfill Nursery. The dogs LOVE it so you need to be extra careful that they do not ingest it.

Creating small berms around each plant helps with water retention.

There are multiple rose locations on our property. On the south side of our home, a rose garden is planted, with approximately 20 rose bushes.

New varieties this year include: Queen of Elegance, Julie Andrews, Julia Child, Scentimental, Perfume Delight, Touch of Class, White Licorice and Gold Glow.

Heirloom Roses

During the lengthy restoration of the house and property, we were able to save 10 original heirloom roses that are on the periphery of the orchard. To read more about our house restoration, click here.

After researching many rose books, I believe these are Quatre Saisons (known as “Rose of the Four Season). This rather gawky, prickly rose produces the most fragrant blossoms. To read another story about these heirloom roses, click here.

Ramblers

In the front of our home, we have an additional 8 rose plants in front of the large Lady Banks’ roses. This old rambler, Rosa Banksiae is native to central and western China, and was introduced to Europe in 1807. It is very tolerant of the hot and dry conditions, which is perfect here.

Since we are growing it up the existing fence, Lady Banks’ provides a thick privacy hedge to the busy road. It is just now beginning to bloom with its small, yellow flowers. Soon this hedge will be one solid row of yellow.

Rose Hedge

The last of our roses is an enormous shrub rose. I do nothing to this because it is so huge. To give you an idea of its size, the wall behind it is 6 feet tall. It is approximately 12 feet x 10 feet by 12 feet tall. The bush is so thick with cane too, creating the perfect habitat for birds.

Just starting to bloom, this shrub produces these delicate pink blossoms with a faint fragrance. If anyone knows anything about this rose shrub, please let me know. I imagine it has been here a very long time.

So all in all, we have 40 rose bushes, several Lady Banks’ bushes in both white and yellow, and this mysterious hedge above.

Each year I remind myself to tend to the roses monthly, and I will be rewarded throughout the year. And it is important to also be equipped with the right tools and clothing (like a long sleeve shirt) while doing rose work.

“Death offers you thorns, eternity offers you roses, and life offers you both.”― Matshona Dhliwayo

Happy Tuesday to you! Do you grow roses? I’ve always wanted to be an official rosarian. However, if I can have success with my little knowledge, so can you. I hope this post will inspire you to try growing roses. Roses are heartier plants. And right now, at Home Depot, you can buy a healthy rose bush for under $25.00. I guarantee you that this small investment, will bring you great joy throughout the year!

This post shared with Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday #684