Attention for roses needed from start

Press, 4 July 1978, Page 19

Attention for roses needed from start

(By

M. LUSTY)

Roses can provide a life-

time of colour and enjoyment and must surely be rated as one of the most durable flowering plants for garden beutification.

Even with mistreatment they seem to produce blooms although if this kind of treatment is prolonged they gradually

decline until one day they succumb completely. As such, they respond to sound cultural attention which is desirable almost from the start and throughout the year in order to get the very best from them yet keep them in prime condition. Such care should start at the time of purchase.

It is becoming common practice to sell roses with their roots -mcompassed by a polythene bag which may or may not be filled with wet sawdust, shredded paper or some other matter.

This serves to keep the roots m a fresh condition, prevents further injury to them and may even induce the development of fibrous roots — all very good and helpful towards the better and quicker establishment of the rose when it is finally planted. If there is any sign of shrivelling the whole plant should be immersed in water where it can be left for 24 hours.

Examination of the budded rose will reveal a root system which may need a little trimming up to shorten any particularly long roots and also to cut back any which have been damaged. The roots will emanate from a stem which may be of variable length, depending on the height at which it was budded. Above is the crown of the

plant from which arise the stems. Generally, there will be a dead stump (snag) noticeable amidst the stems This is the remains of the root stock, protruding above the union with the scion — it should be entirely cut away. I have generally found it very much eaiser to prune the new rose before planting it so this is then the next step. 'Here we tread on somewhat contentious ground as there are a number o. proponents both for and against various procedures. Good results have always been achieved by retaining only three, at most four, well spaced out stems and cutting them back to a bud pointing outwards from the centre. Actual procedure is given in in a separate article for the various types of roses. Having pruned the rose, it is necessary to plant it with the minimum of delay. A site in full sun is desirable but it should be away from large trees, surface rooting shrubs and north facing walls, which can become rather dry, and hot areas A friable, moisture retentive but not wet medium to which ample organic matter has been added is the ideal ground for roses. Open up a hole in the prepared ground just wide enough and deep enough to take the full spread of the roots and so that the crown will finish up resting level with the surroundirg ground surface on planting. Mix a good handful of blood and bone or a little less of a complete granular fertiliser into the excavated soil, rest the rose in the hole with the roots fully spread out and gradually refill the hole. Keep the rose upright and firm the soil in the process of refilling. It is essential to finish up with the crown resting securely at ground level — neither above nor below it. This will provide maximum support for a plant. Do not attempt planting under very wet or frosty conditions. Bush roses require room to develop and to facilitate easy cultural attention. Too close spacing precludes this and also restricts air circulation betweenplants and can hasten the spread of pests and particularly disease.