GROWING ROSES

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 . 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. 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 should be kept moist for the first few months after planting. 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. Roses thrive on direct sunlight. For best results, a minimum of

Bud Eyes

Pruning–cuts should be made ¼ inch above the bud eyes.

four hours of direct sunlight is recommended. However, even when planted against a north wall (meaning no direct sunlight) roses can still perform well. The closer you plant your rose to other plants, the more competition there is for moisture and sunlight. For best results, plant your rose 3 feet away from other plants and 2 feet from other roses. Avoid planting a rose under an overhanging tree branch. The last thing you need at the end of your day is a highmaintenance flower in your garden. Fortunately, caring for roses is not as complicated as it is often thought to be. Whether you are working with easy-to-grow miniature roses, shrubs, or the more challenging climbing varieties, a little extra attention to feeding, watering, and pruning, roses will transform and elevate your garden.

EVERY ROSE HAS A SPECIAL MEANING….

Yellow Rose

The color yellow is bright and conveys happy thoughts, so it’s no wonder that yellow roses showcase positive feelings of warmth. The yellow rose meaning is often considered that of friendship.

White Rose

There is a reason that brides wear white on their wedding day, because the color represents purity, innocence, and eternity. They can also signify a positive new beginning or everlasting love.

Red Rose

Whether it’s a single red stem, a dozen beauties, or an anniversary room strewn with petals, red is the ultimate hue when it comes to conveying your feelings of love.

Pink Rose

A light rosy tone is often associated with femininity, so, naturally, the pink rose meaning is that of grace and sweetness. Other interpretations include gentleness, appreciation, joy, thankfulness, and elegance.

Orange Rose

The orange rose represents energy, pride, fascination, desire, passion, and gratitude. If you have something to say in a big way, orange roses will do the job!

Lavender Rose

One of the most romantic hues are lavender roses. Lavender roses can signify love at first sight, enchantment, adoration, wonder, and fascination. They are a lovely, unique color for roses.

Green Rose

Green roses do exist! The color green symbolizes renewal, rebirth, growth, and life. Giving green roses is an excellent way to encourage excitement about things to come.

Black Rose

One of the most unique colors, this dark tone is often considered a quite spooky hue. As such, the black rose meaning is that of mourning or death. Black roses can also represent the end of an era, job, or relationship.