1. Water - Keep the roses watered thoroughly, at least two inches per week, if not sufficient
rainfall.
Deep soaking is best; as light sprinkling can do more harm than good. Observe the rose beds to see
how long moisture is retained in the soil; dig a little past the surface if necessary. This will help you
wand. Plan to water roses two to three times a week during dry periods.
wand. Plan to water roses two to three times a week during dry periods.
2. Spray - Be on the alert for spider mites. If lower foliage turns gray-green and looks dry, check
the undersides for a salt and pepper look. Use a water wand to wash down under sides of leaves
every three days or use a miticide of your choice. Continue regular preventative spray program for
black spot and mildew. It is always a good idea to water bushes well before spraying and avoid
spraying during the hottest time of the day.
3. Feed - Maintain a light-feeding program. Roses are heavy feeders and prefer a light diet during
the summer months. If foliage turns a light green, try an application of iron (Sprint.)
4. Manicure Bushes- Keep roses groomed by cutting off old rose blooms. Open up center of plant
and trim out twiggy growth and blind shoots. Some rosarians recommend removing the lower
leaves to help air circulation and to avoid black spot. Suckers or vigorous canes that grow from the
root stock, usually show themselves in summer. Cut wildly growing suckers back to ground level.
5. Mulch - Make sure that mulch cover is adequate,adding additional mulch until cover is 2 to 3
inches.
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