Rose Gardening

April 2007

By Gene Joyner, Extension Agent
Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service

This time of year in your garden you’re likely to see an increase in problems associated with dry weather. Mites and other small pests can quickly infest foliage making the plants unattractive. Also look for flower thrips in developing buds and a few people are still having problems with scarab beetles chewing plant leaves or attacking flowers looking for pollen.

Because of the rapid growth many plants are experiencing this time of year you may have to prune and shape roses a little bit more than earlier in the year. Also if you do your own propagation this is a great time for budding or rooting cuttings particularly of mini roses which are often grown without being grafted.

Fertilize lightly but frequently this time of year so plants always have plenty of nutrients for proper growth and in outside gardens renew your mulch if you haven’t already done so, so that you don’t have weeds overtaking your rose collection.

If you have questions about general maintenance activities this time of year, check with fellow members at monthly meetings or contact your local county Extension office.