Planting and caring for roses

In short: Roses are considered demanding, but with the right care they reward growers with lush blooms for many years. Site selection, pruning, and preventive plant protection largely determine their health and flowering success.

In more detail: As deep-rooted plants, roses need loose, nutrient-rich soil in which their roots can spread unhindered.

In detail

• Location: Sunny, airy spots with at least six hours of direct sunlight promote healthy leaves and abundant blooms.
• Planting time: Bare-root roses are planted in autumn or spring, while container roses can be planted almost year-round.
• Pruning: A hard prune in spring down to a few buds promotes vigorous new growth and abundant flowering.
• Disease prevention: Adequate spacing improves air circulation and significantly lowers the risk of fungal diseases like black spot.
• Fertilizing: Special rose fertilizer in spring and after the first flush of blooms supplies the plants with needed nutrients.
• Winter protection: Mounding soil around the grafting point protects sensitive varieties from frost damage.
• Companion plants: Lavender or catmint at the base of the rose repel some pests and complement the floral display (bienenfreundlicher-garten).