Premier Rose Gardeners since 1951

Rose Care Information

JANUARY

Apply Dormant Oil and contact fungicide

Applying dormant spray is one of the best things you can do for your rose bushes during winter. We recommend using a Dormant Spray Oil mixed with a Contact Fungicide 

FEBRUARY

Prune existing roses and plant bareroots

it's time for Spring Pruning! Pruning is a major event which requires a more skilled hand than that of the generalized cutback we do in December.

MARCH

Apply Witherspoon Premium 2-in-1 Fertilizer to established roses

Roses are one of the most beautiful and rewarding plants to grow in any garden, but to achieve those stunning blooms and robust growth, they require proper care — and that includes fertilizing.

APRIL

After danger of frost, remove mulch from around the graft, begin spraying process

It's time to begin a spray program for the growing season! Now that your plants are coming out of dormancy and even pushing out some leaves, its time to unmound the plants

MAY

Continue spraying and begin deadheading

Deadheading is removing the spent blooms from your roses, and we deadhead to promote more BLOOMS! So, let's get those pruners out and talk about deadheading and cutting blooms for the kitchen table!

JUNE

Deadhead roses, water 3-5 gallons weekly, and continue spraying. Keep an eye out for Japanese beetles

Japanese beetles often make their appearance in June, and they can wreak havoc on rose leaves and blooms. These shiny, copper-colored insects feed in groups and can quickly skeletonize foliage.

JULY

Deadhead roses, water 3-5 gallons weekly, and continue spraying 

July is usually the month where most rose gardens go downhill. This happens because gardeners are taking vacations or because of the awful heat are not willing to step outside to do a little tending of their garden. If you can make an effort to keep your roses looking good through this part of the summer, you will be rewarded when the weather begins to break toward the Fall. Other than lack of attention, there are a few other topics to pay attention to in your rose garden during the heat of the summer.

AUGUST

Deadhead roses, water 3-5 gallons weekly, and continue spraying

As the summer sun begins to wane and the days grow shorter, many gardeners bid farewell to their vibrant blooms, believing that the colorful spectacle of their roses is reserved exclusively for the warmer months.

SEPTEMBER

Same as previous month, but if you’re using a slow release fertilizer, stop application 

Autumn has its own unique charm, and it's entirely possible to continue enjoying your roses well into the fall season. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and ideas to help you make the most of your garden's radiant roses during this enchanting time of the year.

OCTOBER

Deadhead roses, water 3-5 gallons weekly, stop spraying

Don't limit your enjoyment of roses to the garden alone. Cut some of your late-season blooms and create stunning floral arrangements to decorate your home. Combine them with other fall foliage, such as colorful leaves or ornamental grasses, to create a beautiful seasonal centerpiece or bouquet.

NOVEMBER

Prepare new beds for planting next season

Every 2-3 years, have soil tested and adjust the pH level to range of 6-6.5

Order new roses

Fall is a great time to prepare new beds because it allows time for the soil to settle over winter. By putting in a little hard work now, your yard will become a healthy, happy home for our new rose garden in the spring.

DECEMBER

Cut back roses to about 3', place mulch 6" high over the graft for winter protection

As winter approaches, it's important to take steps to protect your roses from the harsh weather ahead. Winterizing your roses helps them survive the cold temperatures, frost, wind, and snow, ensuring they bloom beautifully when spring arrives. Let’s take a closer look at these essential steps.

This calendar was adapted for the North Carolina Piedmont

PRUNING

When we prune, our focus is on cutting out dead and diseased canes, and removing spindly or unthrifty growth.

DEADHEADING

Deadheading is removing the spent blooms from your roses, and we deadhead to promote more BLOOMS! So, let's get those pruners out and talk about deadheading and cutting blooms for the kitchen table!

TOP DRESSING YOUR BEDS

One effective way to enhance your rose care routine is by using composted cow manure as a top dressing. Let’s dive into the best practices for fall rose care and how to incorporate this nutrient-rich amendment into your gardening regimen.

BLACK SPOT

Black Spot Fungus will cause a rose bush to defoliate. Shows up as black spots that quickly turn leaves yellow and cause them to fall off.

DOWNEY MILDEW

Downey Mildew is characterized by purple splotches on leaves and stems. Will cause bush to defoliate.

POWDERY MILDEW

Powdery Mildew is characterized by a white powdery substance that causes leaves to curl and growth to become deformed.

ANTHRACNOSE

Anthracnose is characterized by dark sunken lesions in leaves that will eventually cause the bush to defoliate.

APHIDS

Typically attach to new growth and cause deformed buds and leaves.

BUDWORMS

Typically cut through leaves and buds leaving large holes.

DEER

Typically eats all new growth including buds.

JAPANESE BEETLES

Typically causes "lace leaf" and large holes in blooms.

SPIDER MITES

Typically causes leaves to dry up and leaves a dusty residue on the bottom of the leaves.

THRIPS

Typically causes blooms to shrivel up before opening or causes brown edges on blooms.

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