Despite their reputation as finicky plants, roses aren't fragile. They are susceptible to fungal diseases, but given plenty of sunshine, proper cultural care and a weekly spraying program, if needed, they'll thrive in your garden. Home-garden expert George Killgore offers some tips on keeping roses happy. Once roses begin growing in spring, it's time to begin fertilizing and watering. Some gardeners prefer a slow-release fertilizer with a built-in systemic insecticide that is taken up by the roots and distributed throughout the plant. When you apply pesticides, wear safety gear, including chemical gloves and goggles. Sprinkle the fertilizer/ insecticide granules around the drip line of the plant, and lightly scratch them into the soil. Always water well after applying any dry fertilizer. Fungus spores and insect eggs overwinter in plant debris, so you can help keep your roses healthy by removing fallen leaves and other debris from the garden every spring and fall. After fertilizing, place a skirt of landscape fabric over the root zone of the rose. It will help prevent weeds from growing, slow moisture loss and warm the soil. Or use a conventional mulch. The best way to water roses is with a drip irrigation system or soaker hose. Either one efficiently delivers water to the roots without getting any on the leaves, which encourages the fungal diseases blackspot and rust. Cover the landscape fabric and soaker hose with a 3" to 4" layer of mulch. To prevent diseases, begin a regular program of fungicide applications. Most gardeners prefer to spray their roses, but powdered sulfur is also an effective fungicide. Follow package directions carefully, and wear gloves, goggles, long sleeves and pants, and shoes and socks when using toxic sprays. When winter approaches, remove leaf litter and other plant debris, and take up the soaker hose and landscape fabric. If your roses aren't hardy enough to survive unprotected in your USDA zone, provide winter protection. One method is to cover each plant with an old basket turned upside down with the bottom cut out. Fill the basket with pine straw, hay or leaves. Use bricks to hold the basket in place.
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