Rose Gardening

November 2006

This month roses should be very happy. We have very little rainfall and foliage diseases like black spot are not really a major problem. Cutbacks are occurring in many gardens as plants are still growing rapidly and it’s OK to plant roses virtually at any time.

You should have fertilized last month for the upcoming winter season. If not, do so this month with a good quality fertilizer.

Don’t forget roses make great container plants, particularly mini roses, and the miniature types actually I think thrive better as container plants than outside in the ground.

If you see foliage which is getting very pale green and has a stippled appearance, this could be the beginning of spider mites or other types of mites which show up during our dry season. Use of soapy water or other solutions will help to minimize mite activity.

If you have questions about rose care this time of year or have specific problems, check with fellow members at monthly meetings or contact the County Extension office.

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