Newly Planted Roses

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23767, 21 September 1940, Page 5 (Supplement)

Newly Planted Roses

'J'HE care of newly planted rose bushes and climbers during the first few months is important, since they must be regarded as invalids and given every possible attention during the whole summer as regards watering and feeding. A mulch is very beneficial to prevent evaporation during hot, dry weather and appreciably lightens the task of watering. Probably the best material to use is old, well decayed manure, but any neutral subject, such as lawn mowings, may be used. Always apply after a thorough watering has been given and spread to a depth of two inches.

Liquid manure, even of the mildest sort, should not be given in the first year, as the newly-formed roots are not in a fit state to appreciate or assimilate it. The only exception is if the bushes are growing vigorously and the soil is known to be poor. With newly-planted roses, fertilisers of a forcing action, such as sulphate of ammonia, nitrate of soda or blood manures, are best avoided, though they may sometimes be given as a stimulant to well-established bushes before blooming. They may be useful also, later in the season, with trees put in in autumn or even in spring, when growth is vigorous and a crop of flowers has been produced.