Even though roses are some of the most popular and beautiful flowering shrubs, starting a rose garden may seem daunting to new gardeners. However, growing roses for beginners can be simple and rewarding. Roses are easy to grow and, with a basic understanding of what they require, any garden enthusiast can be successful with growing them in their gardens. There are two types of rose plants, container and bare-root .
should be kept moist for the first few months after planting.
Container roses are great for novice gardeners because they’re easy to plant and establish quickly. They can also be purchased at local nurseries throughout the growing season.
With our mild central coast climate, the best time to plant roses is in early spring. Pruning of existing rose plants should be done at the end of winter or in January- February with clean, sharp pruners. Cuts should be made ¼ inch above the bud eyes. Throughout their growing months, prune off dead leaves, spent rose heads, and sucker shoots (shoots that grow out of grafts) as needed. Feed roses in early spring and again in early summer.
Bare-root roses have big advantages. They have a greater selection of varieties available. Plus, they are economical and can be ordered online and usually ship packed in sawdust. Unlike container roses, bare-root plants need to have their roots soaked overnight in water before planting. Also, the roots 18
Spring-Summer 2021
Roses thrive on direct sunlight. For best results, a minimum of
