Rose Hybrid Care (Spring Message)
Sometime after March 20, the mulch used to cover roses can be removed
in stages as it thaws out. If the Winter snow cover is gone and temperatures
climb above freezing during the day on a consistent basis, remove this mulch
slowly and set it aside in case the temperatures plunge. Don't be concerned
if there are late snowfalls. In a normal year, all the mulch should be removed
by around the tenth of April. Keep checking the frost depth in the rose
garden by first using a trowel and later a spade. Dig in an area that will
not disturb the buried roses. When the ground is frost-free, the roses can
be slowly dug out of their winter storage beds. If you can do this in several
stages, it will give them a chance to adjust to their surroundings.
In most years, roses can be set upright by April 15. Replace the soil around the plant and water thoroughly if soil is dry. Wash all of the soil off of the rose foliage and stems. Continue to water the dormant roses several times over the next two weeks. Top dress the soil with organic amendments, such as manure or compost.
Toward the end of April, the new growth will start to appear on the rose stems. Look for the strongest bud on each stem and prune the old stem at a 45-degree angle, just above the new bud. When pruning, it is a good idea to remove all small and weak stems, as well as any that are broken.
During the Spring months of May and June, roses put out a lot of growth. A balanced rose fertilizer should be applied at this time. Follow the manufacturer's directions on how much and when to apply. Feed again in July and early August. Water is very important to any rose garden. A minimum of one inch of water per week is required. Watering the soil around the base of roses is best, since wet foliage is susceptible to disease. During the growing season, a routine should be set up to spray the roses. Disease and insect problems can be managed by spraying or dusting every seven-to-ten days. It is important to keep up this routine throughout the Summer and into the Fall. In a normal year, roses reach their peak of bloom in June. When the flowers are past their prime, cut the stem back to a leaf with five leaflets. Make this cut on a 45-degree angle.
During the Summer months, June through September, follow the regular routine of pruning, spraying and watering.
Shortly after the middle of October, make a trench extending out from the base of the rose bush. Make it long and deep enough to accommodate the plant. Tie the canes together in a bundle, and gently tip the bush into the trench. As you tip the bush into the trench, loosen the soil around the plant with a spading fork. Cover the entire plant with soil taken from the trench. When the ground freezes, cover the plant with straw. The roses will remain buried and protected until Spring.
For further information, read online our care sheet on "Hybrid Roses", "Minnesota Tip Method for Roses", "Rose Insects and Diseases", and "Winterizing Roses in Minnesota".
Revised: 03/10/98
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