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Don't bury the graft, or bud union, when planting roses in mild climates.
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Whether you plant roses in containers or in the garden, you can show them to best advantage by mixing them with companion plants. Keep in mind, however, that roses need good air circulation in order to stave off fungal diseases. For this reason, disease-resistant roses are the best candidates for companion planting. And be sure to allow enough room around the roses so you can fertilize, prune and weed as needed. If you're planting in containers, make sure the soil is of excellent quality. It must support both the rose and the companion plants. Here are some plants that will complement roses: Diascia is an annual and a good choice to plant with roses: both prefer fertile, moist, well-draining soil and full sun. It requires regular to moderate watering, depending on the temperature. These summer-blooming plants can be cut back after the first flush to force another set of flowers. Tuck the plant into the soil near the base of the rose. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a compact, aggressive perennial plant. It blooms all summer, producing white or yellow flowers, and does best with full sun and regular water. Catmint (Nepeta faassenii), a perennial, requires afternoon shade in hot climates and moderate water. Related to catnip, it has a spreading growth habit. Remove faded flowers to bring on another bloom. It can be used to trail over the side of the container. Lobelia erinus is an annual plant that requires partial shade in hot climates and ample water. Some varieties have a trailing growth habit. After planting, water the container to settle the plants into their new home. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer after new growth begins. Watch for signs of fungal diseases on the rose. If you see indications of blackspot or powdery mildew, use a fungicide weekly and keep the infected foliage picked off. Water in the morning hours, and if blackspot is a problem, never water overhead (the presence of water on the leaves encourages blackspot infection). Insect-Fighting Tips The following plants will complement your roses -- and they may also help discourage pests. - Lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia ) is thought to help keep aphids away. Lavenders are notoriously drought tolerant. They require full sun, moderate water and a fast-draining, sandy soil. Little or no fertilizer is required. They succeed in cool coastal climates but not in humid regions. When you harvest the flowers, make sure to cut down only to the tops of the foliage, never below the leaves. Prune lavenders immediately after they bloom to keep the plants compact and neat.
- Sages and thymes may help keep caterpillars away. These herbs require full sun and fast-draining soil.
- Marigolds may help control harmful nematodes. They require full sun, regular water and fast-draining soil, although they are very tough plants and will tolerate a variety of conditions.
RESOURCES :
The American Rose Society
The American Rose Society provides information on rose care, varieties and judging and contacts for local rose societies.
PO Box 30,000
Shreveport, LA 71130-0030
Phone: 318-938-5402
Fax 318-938-5405
E-mail: ars@ars-hg.org
Web site: www.ars.org
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