An amateur’s guide to growing roses in the dry subtropics
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An amateur’s guide to growing roses in the dry subtropics
Lessons this organic gardener has learnt
1. The old-fashioned Chinas, teas and noisettes are the healthiest and most carefree performers in a hot dry garden.
2. Roses thrive on organic fertilizers and soil amended and mulched with quantities of organic matter such as manure and compost but sometimes extra potash may be needed.
3. No matter how well fed, all necessary nutrients may not be available if the soil is too acidic or alkaline. The optimum pH range for roses seems to be 6.8 to 7.
4. Expect heat and moisture stress – mulch and provide some shade during the hottest part of the day if possible. Moisture doesn’t evaporate as fast if watering is left to late evening during a heat wave. Foliage likes a wash too.
5. For quality and quantity of bloom prepare roses to flower through the cooler months and allow summer dormancy. You too will enjoy it.
6. Learn how to prune, why you prune, prune only when you must. Pruning deprives the rose of precious foliage which protects the plant from the sun and manufactures food for it to grow.
7. Allow for the extra vigour and height that some roses make in a hot climate.
8. Invite birds and insects to the garden by mixing the colours and scents of companion plants at all levels around the roses. Check foliage regularly for pest and disease. At the first sign of fungal disease, spray with diluted milk. Spider mites and aphids can be blasted away with the hose. Caterpillars are easily removed by hand.
9. Remember that most rose experts come from temperate climates and some of their advice does not apply here.
10. A thornless rose is worth the real estate
1. The old-fashioned Chinas, teas and noisettes are the healthiest and most carefree performers in a hot dry garden.
2. Roses thrive on organic fertilizers and soil amended and mulched with quantities of organic matter such as manure and compost but sometimes extra potash may be needed.
3. No matter how well fed, all necessary nutrients may not be available if the soil is too acidic or alkaline. The optimum pH range for roses seems to be 6.8 to 7.
4. Expect heat and moisture stress – mulch and provide some shade during the hottest part of the day if possible. Moisture doesn’t evaporate as fast if watering is left to late evening during a heat wave. Foliage likes a wash too.
5. For quality and quantity of bloom prepare roses to flower through the cooler months and allow summer dormancy. You too will enjoy it.
6. Learn how to prune, why you prune, prune only when you must. Pruning deprives the rose of precious foliage which protects the plant from the sun and manufactures food for it to grow.
7. Allow for the extra vigour and height that some roses make in a hot climate.
8. Invite birds and insects to the garden by mixing the colours and scents of companion plants at all levels around the roses. Check foliage regularly for pest and disease. At the first sign of fungal disease, spray with diluted milk. Spider mites and aphids can be blasted away with the hose. Caterpillars are easily removed by hand.
9. Remember that most rose experts come from temperate climates and some of their advice does not apply here.
10. A thornless rose is worth the real estate
Fran- Cosmic Traveller!
- Posts : 506
Join date : 2008-04-12
Re: An amateur’s guide to growing roses in the dry subtropics
Thank you for posting that information, Fran.
I guess all the lovely people who live down in cooler country don't know how different gardening is up here in the warmth.
Marion
I guess all the lovely people who live down in cooler country don't know how different gardening is up here in the warmth.
Marion
meriash- Busy Bee
- Posts : 51
Join date : 2008-05-02
Location : Central Queensland
The Estate- Cosmic Traveller!
- Posts : 447
Join date : 2008-03-27
Location : Melbourne
Re: An amateur’s guide to growing roses in the dry subtropics
How about some insights of your own Marion - you have your own way of going about things and we all have our own microclimates to deal with. It's all just grist for the mill I'd welcome comments because it gets you thinking outside the square. I'm living closer to the coast now so am expecting blackspot to be more of an issue. Might start on a thread on it actually - unless someone else would like to
Fran- Cosmic Traveller!
- Posts : 506
Join date : 2008-04-12
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