Regional Growing Guide: Upper South
Hot, hazy and humid describes much of the year in this region, where roses commence their first peak of bloom by Mother's Day, then continue budding out and blooming through December. While most of the rain comes during winter and early spring, fierce afternoon thunderstorms, nor-easters and even hurricanes may blow through during summer months. The soil may be acidic or sandy: amending with lime helps balance the pH, while compost provides nutrients and improves drainage. The best roses are heat tolerant and resist black spot: new roses often offer improved repeat blooming as well.
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Battle the Creepy Crawlies
Japanese beetles, June bugs, rose chafer, and a wide assortment of other garden beetles are at their worst in June. Japanese beetles are especially destructive on roses. If you have the stomach for it, hand-pick and drop them into a bucket of soapy water early in the morning when they are lethargic. Otherwise, spray at 10-day intervals with as safe an insecticide as possible, such as neem, and treat the soil with milky spore disease to kill the beetle grubs.
Consider Soaker Hoses
Watering roses with a soaker hose is more efficient than using a sprinkler or hose, plus it helps prevent water splashing from the soil onto the foliage and spreading fungal diseases. Since roses thrive when the soil throughout the root zone is kept evenly moist, a heavy mulch placed over the soaker hose further improves water conservation. When purchasing a soaker hose, check to see that it's not so stiff that it's difficult to use. A simple drip irrigation system is another option.
Foliar Feeding
Although most of the nutrient needs of plants, including roses, are met by absorption through the roots, the leaves can also absorb fertilizers to some extent. Fish emulsion and liquid seaweed, either alone or in combination, are particularly beneficial as a foliar feed for roses. Not only do these provide a boost of extra nutrition when plants are growing at a maximum rate, but they also repel some harmful insects. Thoroughly wet the foliage with the spray.
Cutting and Conditioning Roses
For the longest vase life, cut roses either in the early morning or evening when they contain the most water. Using pruning shears, cut the stem at an angle just above an outward-facing leaf. Remove foliage from the bottom 3 to 4 inches of stem. Recut the stem underwater at an angle, removing 1/2 inch of stem, then place in a container with water and a floral conditioner. Set in a humid, cool, dim place for several hours before making your arrangement.
Pruning Roses
Prune once-flowering roses as soon as possible after they've finished blooming. This gives them a long season to develop canes that will bloom next year. Deadhead repeat-flowering roses throughout the growing season. Prune and shape plants, as necessary up until about six weeks before the expected date of the first hard freeze. On roses known for their decorative, seed-bearing hips, remove only the untidy or old, nonproductive canes.