Recommendations for the Care and Maintenance of Newly Planted Hybrid Tea and Shrub Roses Roses are one of the most colorful and popular of all flowering shrubs. With a few simple maintenance practices roses can be kept lush, healthy and blooming. WATERING During the first year it is especially important to provide adequate moisture to the soil around roses. In general, a rose bush requires the equivalent of 1" of rainfall each week. Keep in mind soil types, air temperatures and the growth stage of the roses adjusting the watering schedule accordingly. When watering, soak the soil to a depth of 8" to 10". Once leaves have developed watering should be directed at the soil level of the plant, not at the leaves. This will help minimize leaf diseases. The best time to water is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. MULCHING Mulching new plants with 2" to 4" of shredded hardwood or pine bark mulch is recommended to retain soil moisture, control weeds and reduce soil temperature fluctuations. Replenish with 1" of new mulch each year or as needed. FERTILIZERS Hybrid tea roses and shrub roses differ in their fertilization requirements. It is recommended that hybrid tea roses be fertilized three times a year. Early Spring Just after pruning as bushes start to leaf out. Early Summer When plants are beginning to flower. Late Summer To carry them through the Fall. Hardy shrub roses only need to be fertilized once a year. Do this during early Spring before leaves emerge. Organic fertilizers, formulated specifically for roses, are readily available and are recommended. When applying granular fertilizer be sure to wet the soil first, then apply the fertilizer 6" away from the main stem. Water thoroughly after fertilization. WINTER PROTECTION Hardy shrub roses do not need winter protection. Hybrid tea roses do require some attention. When fertilizing it is important to maintain a consistent program. Follow the instructions on the package for each brand of fertilizer. PRUNING Pruning is also handled differently between hardy shrub roses and hybrid tea roses. Generally, hardy shrub roses are pruned only to limit their ultimate size. Tea roses are pruned to increase bloom quality and to shape them into a more specimen form. Pruning should take place before the rose bush breaks dormancy but after the last chance for frost has passed. Cut 1" below the dead wood or down to the nearest healthy dormant bud. Remove any rose stems growing toward the center of the plant as well as any crossing stems. When removing a stem or a stem and a flower, be sure to cut approximately ¼" above a five leaflet leaf. This will promote strong new flowers. Midwestern climate it is recommended that soil or bark mulch be mounded around the base of the plant to a depth of 10" to 12". A covering of straw should be placed on top of this to avoid alternate freezing and thawing of the ground. This should be done after the first hard frost has occurred. An alternate form of protection is styrofoam cones. Cut the rose stems to a size which will fit under the cones. Place the cones over the roses, then mound soil around the base of the cones and place a rock or brick on top of them to hold the cones in place. Be careful not to remove the winter protection too early in the Spring. It should be done after the last chance of frost (usually by April 20th). Please feel free to contact Stano Landscaping, Inc. at 414-358-1800 with any of your landscape questions or concerns.