Planting and caring for Roses

Roses are best planted during the Winter, while the plants are dormant. Choose a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily and is sheltered from strong winds. Dig a hole twice the width and depth of the rose’s roots. Put plenty of organic matter like compost and sheep pellets to improve drainage and fertility. Place the rose in the hole ensuring where the stem joins the roots is level or slightly above the ground. Fill in the hole with soil and water thoroughly. Add a layer of mulch or pea straw around the base to retain moisture. Water deeply especially in the first few weeks after planting.

Already established roses need to be pruned annually. The best time is in late Winter to encourage new growth and flowering. Also, during Winter consider using a copper or oil spray to prevent scale and fungal problems. Products such as Grosafe Free Flo Coper or EnSpray 99 are recommended.

Feed roses with a rose fertiliser during Spring and Summer to promote healthy growth. Start looking for sucking insects such as aphids and treat them with a pyrethrum-based spray like Grosafe Groventive, Kiwi Care Spectrum or Yates Rose Gun.

Portstone Garden Centre has some gorgeous new and recent releases in stock: -

1. The Sargeant Rose - is a Floribunda rose. It is an exquisite combination of contemporary and classical. It has deliciously perfumed vintage cupped shaped blooms that are a soft peachy pink to blush colour. It is an easy-to-care plant, with repeated flowering, growing to a height of 1.5m.
2. Frosty Moon – comes as a Hybrid Tea or a Standard 800cm rose. It has silver lavender petals with hints of frosty blue and grey. It is a unique coloured rose which is lovely for picking.
3. Aroha – is a Standard 800cm, with cherry red blooms. It is outstanding for picking, with the most amazing bud form. It is repeated flowering with a light fragrance.
4. My Daughter – comes as a Floribunda and a Standard 450mm rose. It has swirls of coral-pink petals. It is the daughter of ‘My Mum’.
5. In Friendship – is a Standard 450cm, it is a free flowering bush rose with clusters of true red blooms on a bush, robust plant.

You can check out our roses on our website www.portstone.co.nz.

We would love to see you in store, grab a coffee at Leeves café and wander our rose selection.