Rose Gardening

February 2007

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

TThis month many plants are growing as if it’s mid spring because of our mild conditions. You may need to do some pruning or shaping of your plants and also apply a light fertilization this month to get roses off to a good start for this growing season.

If you need to control weeds, add fresh layers of mulch because this is always the best weed prevention plus as we get into our drier conditions and possible water restrictions the mulches will help to conserve moisture.

Use mulches at least three inches deep to be effective and by doing that you only have to freshen them up or add additional mulch once a year.

If you’re growing roses in containers, remember that during the active spring months they grow a little bit more quickly and require more fertilization and often people fertilize container roses every three to four weeks throughout the year and that’s not a bad policy.

If you’re doing propagation yourself on roses, this is a good time to start making cuttings or if you have available rootstock to attempt budding or grafting.

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