Let’s talk roses…

Roses can be gorgeous and difficult all at the same time. Most roses require daily dusting to prevent bugs from nesting or eating away the plant.

Roses love basking in the sun; however, their frail petals struggle during times of drought so be sure to water your rose bush/tree anytime the top of the soil is dry. Also, roses want to show off their full potential and require frequent pruning.

With the difficulty of roses being said; if you are looking for roses to fit a fast pace lifestyle, then maybe the hybrid rose bush/tree is for you.

Hybrid rose bushes/trees are less likely to suffer from insects, harsh winter climates, drought, and are able to produce huge clusters or single flowers for decorative display.

These cross overs still require work and nutrients, but are able to clean themselves, tolerate different climates, and are willing to fight through beetles, spiders, slugs, etc. They need your help in order to survive and show off how amazing they can be by:

Spring Pruning: Cut off anything dead or damaged before cutting back stems. Be sure to leave a few leaves on the stem. Give your bush or tree some shape to work with so that it can put energy into producing stronger stems.
Fertilizer: Apply in early spring; however, be sure to not over fertilize and research different brands to ensure that you are selecting the appropriate fertilizer for your roses.
Mulch: Make sure that your roses are protected by at least 3-4 inches of mulch to prevent pests, heat exhaustion, and conserve water.
Dusting: Check in on your roses to make sure other critters are not trying to inhabit or eat them. I use a cobweb brush when checking my roses, because it quickly knocks away any intruders.