Lesson 3
Feeding, watering, dead-heading
Growing image…
Roses are heavy feeders. Apply a balanced rose feed in early spring (when leaves emerge) and again after the first flush. A mulch of well-rotted manure in late winter is the single best annual treat.
Water deeply — once or twice a week is better than daily splashes. Always water the soil, never the leaves: dry foliage is healthy foliage.
Dead-head religiously: snip just above the first leaf with 5 leaflets (not 3) for the next flowering stem.
If buds turn brown and don't open ('balling'), it's wet, cool weather. Pick them off and the next flush will be normal.