Red Rose Month

The rose. It is one of the most widely regarded and utilized flowers to ever exist. It is a symbol of love and a truly beautiful plant to look at. Here, at Simply Green Lawn Care in Lilburn, Ga, we love to see a rose bed in one of customer’s yards. Planting and caring for roses isn’t as easy as putting them in the ground, however. There is much care involved in cultivating a beautiful rose, so here are some tips to help you get started! Happy gardening!

Tips From Farmers Almanac:

• Roses prefer a near-neutral pH range of 5.5–7.0. A pH of 6.5 is just about right for most home gardens (slightly acidic to neutral).
• Before you plant, be sure that you choose varieties proven in your climate. When in doubt, All-America Rose Selections winners are good bets. Or check with your local nursery.
• Plant roses where they will receive a minimum of 5 to 6 hours of full sun per day.
• Diligently water your roses. Soak the entire root zone at least twice a week in dry summer weather.
• Use mulch. To help conserve water, reduce stress, and encourage healthy growth, apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of chopped and shredded leaves, grass clippings, or shredded bark around the base of your roses.
• Feed roses on a regular basis before and throughout the blooming cycle (avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides if you’re harvesting for the kitchen).
• Prune roses every spring and destroy all old or diseased plant material.