Winter – Smell the roses

BY VICKEY TAYLOR

Roses come in an amazing range of flower forms and sizes – from tiny singles to fully double blooms and fragrances vary from soft to heavenly rich scented scents.

Position

Roses need plenty of sunshine – about six hours or more each day. Northerly and westerly aspects are usually the sunniest spots.

Climate

Most Aussie climates are suitable, Bare–root roses need to be planted in winter when they are leafless, but potted roses can be planted all year round.

Soil

Roses will happily grow in many soil types, but good drainage is essential. Preparation is the key before planting, add at least half a 30–litre bag of compost and aged manure per rose, and fork in. For heavy clay soil, use a liquid gyp.

New plants like to be watered , so use your finger to test the soil. Once established, roses will enjoy a weekly soaking, but need more in the dry summer months. Fertiliser

Roses are hungry plants, so apply organic rose food twice in spring, summer and autumn, and water in well. In winter, apply a 40mm layer of composted manure to condition the soil and feed.

Maintenance

Neutrog Who Flung or sugar cane are all great mulches for roses. Apply a 50mm layer in spring and top it up in summer to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Roses respond well to pruning, Mid to late winter is a good time to cut back established roses (leave spring – only bloomers and most climbing roses until after flowering in late spring). A mid–summer tidy up will help reinvigorate tired roses and encourage autumn blooms.

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