Chalet
3132 Lake Avenue
Wilmette
(847) 256-0561
www.chaletnursery.com
Tony Fulmer's Tips for Long-Lasting Roses
Gardeners are always looking for plants that bloom virtually all summer long with minimal maintenance. The new shrub roses do just that.
To reduce likelihood of blackspot, use gloves to remove all the leaves from the bottom 6 inches of the plant once roses grow to a height of 24 inches or taller. This will improve air circulation, promote drying of foliage and dramatically reduce the need for 2 fungicides. Here are some other common questions -- and answers -- on how to keep these beauties blooming with minimal use of sprays.
Q. A common perception is that roses require a lot of spraying to keep them looking good. Is that true with shrub roses also?
A. The term "shrub rose" is a "kitchen sink catch-all" for any roses that hybridizers are unsure what to do with. So there is a wide range in size, winter hardiness, disease resistance and length of bloom. There are a lot of things you can do to make roses easier and less time-consuming. First, give them lots of sun. Generally, roses prefer at least six hours of direct sun and more is better. If you want roses and your site has four hours of sun (or less) look for those that have lower petal count. The fewer the petals, the more shade tolerant the rose.
Q. How much water is enough?
A. A lot of rose problems are caused by improper spacing and watering. I generally recommend a minimum of 24 inches apart and 27- to 30-inches (center to center) is better for most roses. Disease problems generally arise when weather is hot and humid, and moisture stays on leaves for long periods of time. Spacing so plants are not touching will maximize air movement and dry the leaves out. In addition to removing the lower leaves, use a watering wand to soak roses and water as early in the day as possible. This will allow any water that splashes on leaves a chance to dry. Avoid irrigating roses with overhead sprinklers or in-ground systems.
Q. How we can be more organic with roses?
A. A liquid copper soap-based fungicide such as by Bonide, which can be used by soil microbes as well as plants, gives excellent control of blackspot, the most common problem we encounter during humid summers.
Q. How do I get rid of those awful Japanese Beetles?
A. They're out in big numbers now and they do love rose flowers. If you're squeamish about "grab and squeeze" but still want to be as earth friendly as possible, consider using the Espoma Earth Tone Insect Control (pyrethrin and canola oil based). Repeat every one to two weeks while adult Japanese Beetles are present.
3132 Lake Avenue
Wilmette
(847) 256-0561
www.chaletnursery.com
Tony Fulmer's Tips for Long-Lasting Roses
Gardeners are always looking for plants that bloom virtually all summer long with minimal maintenance. The new shrub roses do just that.
To reduce likelihood of blackspot, use gloves to remove all the leaves from the bottom 6 inches of the plant once roses grow to a height of 24 inches or taller. This will improve air circulation, promote drying of foliage and dramatically reduce the need for 2 fungicides. Here are some other common questions -- and answers -- on how to keep these beauties blooming with minimal use of sprays.
Q. A common perception is that roses require a lot of spraying to keep them looking good. Is that true with shrub roses also?
A. The term "shrub rose" is a "kitchen sink catch-all" for any roses that hybridizers are unsure what to do with. So there is a wide range in size, winter hardiness, disease resistance and length of bloom. There are a lot of things you can do to make roses easier and less time-consuming. First, give them lots of sun. Generally, roses prefer at least six hours of direct sun and more is better. If you want roses and your site has four hours of sun (or less) look for those that have lower petal count. The fewer the petals, the more shade tolerant the rose.
Q. How much water is enough?
A. A lot of rose problems are caused by improper spacing and watering. I generally recommend a minimum of 24 inches apart and 27- to 30-inches (center to center) is better for most roses. Disease problems generally arise when weather is hot and humid, and moisture stays on leaves for long periods of time. Spacing so plants are not touching will maximize air movement and dry the leaves out. In addition to removing the lower leaves, use a watering wand to soak roses and water as early in the day as possible. This will allow any water that splashes on leaves a chance to dry. Avoid irrigating roses with overhead sprinklers or in-ground systems.
Q. How we can be more organic with roses?
A. A liquid copper soap-based fungicide such as by Bonide, which can be used by soil microbes as well as plants, gives excellent control of blackspot, the most common problem we encounter during humid summers.
Q. How do I get rid of those awful Japanese Beetles?
A. They're out in big numbers now and they do love rose flowers. If you're squeamish about "grab and squeeze" but still want to be as earth friendly as possible, consider using the Espoma Earth Tone Insect Control (pyrethrin and canola oil based). Repeat every one to two weeks while adult Japanese Beetles are present.
