Ten Tips to Grow Roses

isn’t this lovely? It’s the first thornless rose from a climbing rose I planted thsi year. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Ten Tips to Grow Roses

Let’s face it, growing roses in usda zone 6b can be challenging. I decided to try again last year when I bought bare root roses and kept them in pots for a year. They wintered over in their pots buried into their destined growing spots, then were taken out of their pots and planted this spring. Compost and worm castings are feeding their soil; a wet spring has made their transition easier.

Here are ten tips if you also want to try to grow roses:

1. Winter Hardiness
Opt for roses bred for winter hardiness and disease resistance. Excellent choices include:

• Shrub roses like Knock Out® and Oso Easy® (Knock Out has two varieties that have scent)

• Rugosa roses (very hardy and fragrant)

• Older heirloom roses (many are resilient once established)

• Miniature roses, which are a shrub rose, have worked well for me in the past.

2. Full Sun
Roses need 6–8 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is especially important to dry dew and prevent fungal diseases.

3. Well-Drained Soil
Amend heavy clay with compost and aged manure. Raised beds or mounded soil help avoid root rot, especially in wet springs.

4. Water Deeply but Infrequently
Water at the base, not overhead. In Zone 6b, aim for about 1–2 inches per week.

5. Mulch 
Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch (shredded bark, leaf mold, compost) to:

• Retain soil moisture

• Suppress weeds

• Prevent soil splash (reduces fungal spores)

6. Prune in Early Spring (March–April)
When forsythia bloom, it’s time to:

• Prune out dead/damaged canes

• Shape the plant

• Open the center for airflow (reduces disease)

7. Feed Regularly but Stop in Late Summer
Use a balanced rose fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10 or an organic rose mix) starting in early spring. Stop feeding after mid-August so plants harden off before frost.
If in a drought, don't fertilize or your stressing your roses.

8. Winter Protection. In late fall:

• Stop deadheading and pruning

• Mound soil or mulch 8–12 inches high around the base

• For tender types, wrap with burlap or use rose cones (with ventilation)

9. Scout for Pests and Diseases Weekly.
Zone 6b’s humidity encourages issues. Watch for:

• Japanese beetles (June–July): skeletonize leaves

• Aphids: cluster on buds and new growth

• Spider mites (hot, dry spells): stippled yellowing leaves

• Black spot: dark leaf spots, yellowing and drop

• Powdery mildew: white coating on leaves
  Use Neem oil, insecticidal soap, or hand-picking early. Favor resistant varieties to minimize issues.

10. Practice Good Garden Hygiene
Remove all fallen leaves in fall to reduce disease spores. Clean pruners between plants to avoid spreading viruses or fungi.

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Charlotte

Monkey Grass

Monkey grass is an excellent border plant providing pollinators food mid-summer. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Monkey Grass

Liriope, also known as Lilyturf or Monkey Grass, is a popular ornamental plant often used in gardens for its attractive foliage and low maintenance requirements. I love Liriope to mark my paths and borders, and to help with soil erosion, a constant battle gardening on a hillside.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using Liriope in your garden:

Advantages:

1. Low Maintenance: Liriope is relatively low-maintenance. It requires minimal care once established, making it a great choice for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.

2. Ornamental Value: Liriope's grass-like leaves come in various shades of green and sometimes variegated patterns, adding visual interest to your garden. Some varieties also produce small spikes of lavender or white flowers, adding a touch of color.

3. Versatility: Liriope is versatile in terms of its uses. It can be used as ground cover, edging, or in mass plantings. It's also suitable for both sunny and partially shaded areas.

4. Erosion Control: Due to its spreading nature and dense root system, Liriope can help control soil erosion on slopes and banks.

5. Drought Tolerance: Once established, Liriope is generally drought-tolerant and can survive periods of dry weather without much trouble.

6. Deer Resistance: Many varieties of Liriope are relatively resistant to deer browsing, making it a good choice in areas with deer populations.

7. Pollinator Food: Liriope blooms mid-summer where I live and provides food for bees and other pollinators when not much else does.

Disadvantages:

1. Invasiveness: Liriope can sometimes become invasive in prime growing conditions. It spreads through underground rhizomes, and in some cases, it can outcompete other plants and become difficult to control.

2. Slow Establishment: Liriope can take a while to establish and fill in, especially when planted from small divisions.

3. Limited Flowering Period: While some Liriope varieties produce small spikes of flowers, the flowering period is relatively short, and the flowers may not be as showy as those of other plants.

4. Overcrowding: If not properly managed, Liriope can sometimes become overcrowded, leading to a less attractive appearance and reduced growth.

5. Spread into Unwanted Areas: The rhizomes of Liriope can spread beyond where you initially planted them. This can sometimes lead to the plant appearing in areas where you didn't intend it to grow.

6. Winter Appearance: In colder climates, Liriope's foliage can become brown and wilted during the winter months.

   Some recommend cutting Liriope back in spring but I don’t find that necessary. It can look a little bedraggled coming out of winter but the new growth soon turns green and lush again.

Charlotte