We Deliver to WESTERN AUSTRALIA Only!

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE VERSION OF ROSE CARE NOTES

Rose Care Notes developed by Melville Nurseries Pty Ltd and Melville Roses. Rob Melville

When to Plant

Planting roses may take place at any time of the year however autumn is ideal.  In very hot weather it is preferable to plant late in the afternoon.  Remember you MUST water every day when the roses are young, sometimes twice or more if very hot.

Where to Plant

Roses require a minimum of 6 hours of sun a day to perform their best. Roses are happiest away from invasive tree roots in an open position, they don’t like heavy competition but love friends such as other cottage perennials and salvias.

Watering

Watering…..WATER WATER WATER a minimum of 5 Litres per day for the roses first summer.  When the weather is very hot (30+o Celsius plus) water at least twice a day, more if they are in pots.  Try to water as late as possible in the morning so the water is available to the root system when the plant needs it.

Soil Preparation

Prepare the hole to a depth of .5m. Use 1 bag of Melville’s Exclusive Rose Planting Mix  developed by Rob Melville which contains every thing the Rose requires

Alternatively a) half a bag of good quality potting mix and half a bag of sheep manure mixed together per rose bush.

Alternatively b) if unable to use potting mix use 3 parts sheep manure to 1 part of your exiting garden soil

How to Plant

Having dug the .5m hole add half the bag of potting mix etc and 2 handfuls of ‘slow release’ fertiliser no other type of fertiliser can be put at the bottom of a plant we recommend Osmocote for Roses (9 month). Place your rose bush into the hole so that the graft is above the soil line, backfill with rest of bag. Stake until established. Water in thoroughly. Do not apply quick release fertiliser at this time, as you have added the slow release already under your plant ONLY SLOW RELEASE FERTILISER CAN BE APPLIED UNDER ANY PLANT NEVER QUICK RELEASE FERTILISER OF ANY KIND

Mulching

Mulching is very beneficial to roses it helps keep the root-run cool, prevents weeds and helps reduce water consumption. After winter pruning we recommend a layer of sheep manure to combat our sandy soils topped off with lupin mulch or pea-hay applied to a depth of 50-75 mm, as the mulch breaks down nitrogen is released into the soil slowly feeding the roses.  Other forms of mulch will pull nitrogen out of the soil.

Fertilising

After winter pruning fertilising can commence once the rose has put on about 5cm of new growth. Roses respond well to regular feeding every 4 to 6 weeks.  Last feed April mid  autumn to get a good flush of flowers then the plants can start slowing down ready for dormancy and their winter prune. An ‘all-purpose’ garden fertiliser such as Black Magic  should give a good balance of flowers and foliage.  2 handfuls for a two+ year old plant.  1 handful for a young plant sprinkled around the base.

Standard and Weeping Roses

Standards should be firmly secured to a stake strong enough to support the weight of a mature standard or weeper. A metal stake is recommended (star picket).

Staking

If your rose leaves the nursery having a stake please ensure you plant it either in the ground or chosen pot with its stake in place.  This is to protect the graft and stabilise the root system.  We recommend replacing the stake with a stronger one (such as a Jarrah picket) as the plant grows and develops.

Please Note

All Roses sold by Melville Roses are sent out in great condition. We cannot accept responsibility for any rose that fails through the negligence of care or horticultural inexperience. To attempt to avoid this, all of our roses are despatched with a comprehensive rose care guide. If there is a problem or the purchaser requires advice or assistance at a later date we are only too pleased to help and offer free advice please call us ASAP. All our roses are outdoor plants and are not to be kept indoors at any time.

Flower appearances may be affected by differing conditions such as temperature, soil-makeup sunlight etc.

Enjoy your garden and beautiful ROSES!!!!

 

Scroll to Top