Rose is a common flower plant that we see in almost every garden across India. It continues to remain popular, due to its beauty, fragrance, and low maintenance. There are several hundred different varieties of rose plants. You can choose from rose plants that remain short in height to those that grow up to 6 meters in height. Similarly, the flowers are available in different patterns, colors, and sizes. Rose plants hybridize easily, and has therefore resulted in the development of the wide range of garden roses. If you also want a majestic Rose flower blooming in your home garden, take a look at all you’ll need to know about rose plant care.
Best Temperature for Rose Plant
Roses are generally suitable for planting at higher elevation and it prefers temperature between 15-16°C at night and 28-30°C during the day. It likes moderate humidity of around 60%. However, Rose plant is among a few flowering plants that can adapt to grow in wide range of environment. So, there’s a rose plant variety for almost every kind of environment. When picking a rose plant for your garden, prefer the local variety of rose over any other type that might be difficult to care for.
Sunlight Recommendation for Rose Plant
Roses prefer direct sunlight exposure for at least 6 hours per day. However, partial shade is recommended in hot climates. Exposure to 2+ hours of morning sunlight is beneficial so that dew on the leaves dries quickly.
Soil PH for Rose Plant
Roses like slightly acidic to neutral soil. A pH value of 6.2 to 6.8 is ideal. However, it can do well with soil pH in the range of of 5.8 to 7. If you don’t know the pH of your soil, you can purchase a soil PH meter from amazon and test your soil easily at home. If your garden or pot soil does not match this PH value, then you can adjust the soil pH by adding dolomite to soil to increase pH and by adding aluminum sulfate to soil to decrease PH. For soil pH adjustment, apply the additives in small amounts, water the soil, and test the pH a couple of times over next 2 to 3 days before adding any more.
Best Fertilizer for Rose Plant
Roses should be fertilized in March and October after pruning. There after fertilize at the end of blooming cycle every 6 weeks or so. This is the same with roses planted in ground and pots. For fertilization, prefer using organic fertilizers like bone meal, worm castings, or kitchen compost. Fertilize roses planted in pots more frequently.
Watering Requirements for Rose Plant
Roses like moist soil but not soggy soil. Young rose plants should be watered daily until they are establish. Watering frequency thereafter will depend on the climate conditions. During summers water 4 to 7 times a week depending on moisture in the soil. Deep watering is recommended once a week. During winters water once or twice a week. Don’t let the top soil dry up too much. Avoid spraying water on the foliage to prevent fungal disease. Also avoid waterlogging as roses are sensitive to too much water. Mulching is recommended during hot summers.
Disease/Pest Control Tips for Rose Plant
Roses sometimes get attacked by Aphids, Red Mites, Mealybugs, Powdery Mildew, Black Spots, Red Scales & dieback fungus. If left untreated, these can lead to plant death. However, you can easily treat fungal problems like powdery mildew, black spot, & dieback with a fungicide for plants. Overwatering is often the cause for fungal issues in rose bushes. Aphids and other common garden pests are easily treated with a spray of soap and neem oil. Use chemical pesticide if neem oil does not help.
Rose Plant Blooming Time & Pruning
Roses continue to bloom all year long in right conditions. Roses bloom in 6 to 8 week cycles. As long as it gets favorable environment conditions, they continue to bloom. However, if the weather is too hot, the buds might burn or may not open completely or the size of flowers may be affected. In case of temperature going below freezing, the rose plant goes into dormancy and therefore does not flower at all.
Rose Pruning is done during early Spring and Autumn. You can prune up to about half of the growth of each branch of old plants. Climbing roses do not required pruning. Also avoid pruning in young rose plants. Also keep removing dead shoots & flowers on rose plants on regular basis. If left unremoved, they can encourage fungal infestation.
Rose Plant Propagation
In India roses are propagated by rooted cuttings or by budding and grafting. September to October is the best time to plant roses in plain areas. On hilly (cold) areas, February to March is the best time to plant roses. While roses can be propagated through seeds, it is not an easy method to follow. Seed germination can take months, and it takes another three years for the plant to bloom.
Best Potting Mix for Rose Plant
A good soil mix for rose plant would be 2 parts of garden soil, 1 part worm castings, and a little peat moss. Add 1 part coarse sand in case the garden soil is heavy/clay rich. The aim is to create an organic matter rich loamy soil that drains well. Check the soil pH and adjust. Roses are sensitive to waterlogging so ensure proper drainage from pots.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Why are my yellow roses turning off white/green?
Yellow rose flowers can turn dull in scorching summer. Use green net to prevent this from happening. If this happens in winters, then increase the night temperature if possible.
Why is my rose plant leaves turning yellow?
This happens due to iron or magnesium deficiency. Adjusting the soil pH fixes this problem.
What are the popular varieties in India?
Miniature Roses, Floribundas, Kashmiri Rose, Hybrid Tea Rose, Climber Rose, and several others.