The weather is warming quickly after the cool and often wet days of winter, and this means it’s a great time to get into the garden and start preparing your plants for the summer heat.
For many owners, their roses are their pride and joy, but they can come under significant stress when the mercury starts climbing.
Without the right preparation, your roses are going to wilt and struggle when temperatures hit the high 20Cs and low 30Cs.
And while those days may be a month away, making preparations to protect your roses now will ensure they not only survive but thrive through the summer months.
The challenge with roses is that they love six hours of sunlight each day, but when a hot sun beats down on them for a prolonged period, it can be too much.
There are four signs your roses are in heat-stress – 1.) foliage wilts, curls or drops prematurely; 2.) The leaf edges turn brown from moisture loss; 3.) the blooms have a faded colour and can be smaller; 4.) insects descend on the damaged parts of the rose.
A good watering regime and a thick layer of mulch to ensure moisture retention are two basic steps to help your roses survive. One tip you may find surprising is to ease off on the fertiliser.
If you’re considering selling your property this summer, ensuring your roses are flowering beautifully will be a wonderful addition to your garden that prospective buyers will appreciate.
Here are seven more tips to ensure your roses enjoy the summer sun.
Soil solution – Soil in flowerbeds often becomes compacted over the winter months. So, loosen the dirt around the base of the rose to help water penetrate and reach the roots of the plant.
Much about mulch – Up to 6cm of organic mulch will protect the roots and retain moisture. Water deeply before laying down the mulch.
Cool shade – In heatwave conditions, position a patio or beach umbrella to save them from the harshest sun. If your roses are in pots, move them into a shady spot.
Quick spray – While you should always water at the roots of a rose, a spray of water over the plant can ease heat stress in the middle of the day.
Deep water – Roses love deep watering every few days, but in hot conditions the soil can dry quickly and they may need an additional drink. So, check the soil regularly to gauge the moisture levels.
It’s timing – Ideally, you should water your roses in the early morning to limit evaporation. Try to avoid evening watering as the moisture can sit on the roots during the night and encourage fungus disease.
No pruning – Even if the leaves are suffering in the heat, don’t prune the plant. Dead-heading is fine, but pruning will accentuate the stress on the rose, damage its canes and potentially kill it.