Feeling rosy through autumn

Roses are always popular as gifts at the start of February for Valentine’s Day, but the end of summer is also key for those who grow them

February and March are crucial times in preparing planted roses for colder and harsher winter climates and preparations for winter bud planting.

And the correct preparations can be done by making the most of Selmes’ Garden Centre’s Summer Roses sale, including 25% off all roses and 20% off all rose fertilizers and sprays.

February requires continued watering and feeding of the flowers - ensuring to water the soil instead of foliage and adding a rose-specific fertilizer –

This watering and feeding is done alongside removing spent flowers to promote new flowers blooming and prevent the plant wasting excessive energy growing seeds.

The transition from summer into autumn also brings the seasonal rise in pest and diseases, so rose growers need to keep an eye out for pest and disease danger.

A general pest and disease examination can be done at the same time as seasonal pruning, where gardeners target the removal of dead and diseased wood, encouraging new growth, and doing aesthetic shaping.

As days get shorter through March, gardeners start their final preparations for winter with the last of the summer sun the best time for moving flowers to establish in time for colder weather.

Roses generally grow better in areas with lots of sun and cover from the wind.

However, if your roses are already exactly where you want them to be, a layer of mulch can be added to assist retaining moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature.

A final feeding for fertilizer will also help the flowers store energy through the winter, in preparation for the next year’s flowering season.

Keeping roses healthy and happy throughout the winter season is a massive contributor to how they flourish in spring, so a few hours of work now can make a major difference to your rose garden in a few months' time.