Regional Growing Guide: So. California Coastal & Inland Valleys
From the sunny beaches of California to the blistering deserts of the Southwest, this region is marked by nearly year-round sunshine and little rain. Roses bloom from April through December in the more temperate parts, while they take a rest during August and September in the great deserts, where searing temperatures vary little between day and night. There, roses have two seasons: spring and fall, with peak blooming in April and October. Ample irrigation is key. Soils may be alkaline or sand: it's important to amend with plenty of organic matter. The best roses are heat tolerant, and tend to bear darker leaves and bloom in more intensely saturated colors.
Select a season: Spring Early Summer Late Summer Fall
Prune With Your Fingernail
Rub off new, unwanted foliage on roses, especially when it points inward toward the center of the bush. When the growth is young, this pruning is easy -- just the flick of a fingernail will do the job.
Blast Aphids
Aphids, mealybugs, mites, and scale can be dispensed with a strong blast from the hose (support the branch or bloom with one hand to brace it against the force of the spray), or rub them off with a gloved hand.
Rip Suckers
Remove suckers from below the graft lump by ripping or bashing -- you want to damage the growth buds so they don't continue sending up shoots.
Avoid Nitrogen
Don't feed roses with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in spring, since the resulting quick green-up will attract aphids and other sucking pests.
Train for More Blooms
Train climbing roses horizontally to encourage more bloom.