About our Rootstock

The basics of growing roses in Florida

Planting:

It is always best to plant roses in full sun. This encourages production of blooms and discourages fungal diseases. Some roses are tolerant of partial sun; just be sure to confirm that your plant is the tolerant type before planting in a shady spot.

 Watering:

Water deeply when soil is dry to ½” deep. When watering roses, make sure to apply water directly to the soil and avoid wetting the foliage, especially during dry, hot weather. If you must water from overhead, morning hours would be the best time; since, this allows ample time for moisture to reach the roots before being evaporated, and it reduces the chance of  the plant being damaged by the bright, hot rays of high-noon sun.

 Fertilizing:

Always water thoroughly when fertilizing to avoid burning your plant. Many fertilizers can be too strong and may promote growth that is too rapid, producing a plant that will be weak and susceptible to powdery mildew and aphids; so, it is best to use an all-purpose rose feed more often rather than a stronger type of fertilizer less often. Feed during the early part of spring, and if you have a plant that blooms repeatedly, continue feeding once a month until November. Magnesium Sulfate can also be used during the early spring and once again at the end of October to provide for deficiencies. Mulching in early spring and replacing mulch throughout the year, as it breaks down, aids in moisture retention and the prevention of weeds.

 Pruning:

Proper pruning can enhance your rose plant’s shape, production of flowers, and growth potential. As a general rule, early spring or late fall is a good time for pruning rose plants. Swelling of the upper-most buds, will give you the best indicator of when it is time to prune your plant. When pruning, make sure to cut about ¼ of an inch above a new bud that faces outward.

There are also some basic guidelines to achieve the best results for particular types of roses:

• Roses that bloom only once per year should be pruned in the summer, immediately after they have flowered and the blooms have faded.

• Repeat bloomers should be pruned in early spring.

• Climbing or trellis roses produce the best results with a light, regular pruning. Pruning climbers too severely can prevent new blooms from forming until the following season.

• Deadheading (removing blooms after they have peaked) is beneficial for most types of roses, as is removing any weak, diseased, or dead branches.

• Roses that bloom on new wood, such as Floribundas and Hybrid Tea roses should be moderately pruned to about ½ of their height in early spring.

Disease and Pests:

There are several types of diseases and pests that can afflict roses, and providing good air circulation, through the clearing away of any leaves that have fallen around your plant and through proper pruning, along with an all purpose rose dust is a good idea for treating and preventing most of these problems. Diseases such as Black spot, powdery mildew, and rust can be treated by removing any affected leaves and spraying with a horticultural spray or lime sulphur. Many fungicides are also available for treatment of more severe cases. For treatment of pests such as Aphids and Spittle bugs, first try spraying them off with a water hose, and if that doesn’t work, use an insecticidal soap or horticultural spray. As always, maintaining proper care and starting with a rose that is naturally resistant to disease, when possible, are the first steps to having beautiful, healthy roses.  

Our Rootstock:

All of the roses we grow are grafted on Dr. Huey rootstock, which is considered excellent base for throughout the U.S. There has been, for many years, a debate in the plant industry as to whether Dr. Huey or Fortuniana rootstock is the best. The debate continues even today. There are 2 reasons we use roses with Dr. Huey rootstock; 1) Dr. Huey is a tried & true performer in all areas of the country, in all soil types & temperatures, & has the largest number of different varieties available, & 2) roses on Fortuniana rootstock are much harder to purchase, as there are not as many sources available & prices are much higher.

The basics of growing roses in Florida:

If planted in the ground, as opposed to 'container gardening', the soil should be 'prepared' to about 12" or more by turning-over the soil and amending it well with organic matter - either / or compost, leaf mold, peat, muck, & manure, or a good potting soil. (Some people construct raised beds to make it easier to get the full 12"+ of suggested 'prepared' soil.)

Roses prefer to be in a place where they get at least 6 hours of full sun, & best if it’s the morning sun. If planted near each other, it is best to allow 4-5' between plants to give them plenty of good air circulation.

Once planted, daily watering for several weeks is suggested, & thereafter, 2-3 times per week to get a total of 1"+ of water into the soil. (Of course, this schedule will depend on the weather - less if receiving rain & more if drier weather.) Getting water on the leaves is not preferable to 'ground' watering, as wet leaves promote fungus & disease problems, and you should try to see that plants are as dry as possible by sunset. Mulching with a good 'light' material, such as medium to large bark chips, will help keep just the soil moist & will deter week growth.

Weekly spraying with a good recommended fungicide & pesticide is also suggested (systemic types work well), but do not spray if full sun, as leaf-burn is more likely to occur. The two main problems that a fungicide will help control are Black Spot & Powdery Mildew. Pests can include mites, thrip, aphids, scale, nematodes, & other insects. (Unfortunately, nematodes are pretty much a 'given' in FL soils & there is almost nothing available for homeowners to purchase for treatment any longer. But by 'preparing' the soil properly, you can help keep nematodes at bay.) Good news - many of the above mentioned 'critters' can initially be kept in check fairly well with the use of a detergent type products, such as Safer's Insecticidal Soap, which is easy & safe to use & handle, not to mention being environmentally friendly. If some pests still become a problem, you may need to move up to a stronger chemical agent that is listed for use on roses & for combating the particular pest.

As far as feeding, a good all-purpose fertilizer is where you should start, making sure that it contains all of the 'minor' elements, & preferably some iron, as our sandy soils in Florida tend to leach out quite rapidly. A bit of 'slow-release' fertilizer is a good idea, too, as it keeps the plants from 'starving' between regular feedings. Some folks methodically fertilize every month, while others prefer to fertilize after every 'bloom flush', usually about 5-7 times a year. Normally, fertilizing is less necessary during the cooler winter months, as growth is much slower then.

Roses can & should be trimmed as needed year-round, and usually should be pruned twice a year to promote general vigor & new growth. When trimming, cut below any wounds or dead / dying spots, so that the cut is to 'healthy' tissue. When removing flowers, whether to enjoy & use a 'cuts' or just to remove finished / dead blooms, be sure to always cut back to above a full, healthy 5-leaflet leaf, as this promotes stronger future growth.

We wish you the best of luck with your roses & hope you enjoy their beauty & fragrance for many years.

Grown by Altman Plants - Loxahatchee, FL 33470