True American Beauties

PASSIONS | by DEBRA PRINZING

OF ALL THE GARDEN FLOWERS, THE FAIREST ONE IS the rose, or so the saying goes. For some reason, though, roses are often labeled as “difficult” to grow. In my experience, successful rose-growing is achieved when I create healthy conditions for my plants.

Roses are adaptable to a wide range of environments (other than full shade). You can find out which cultivars are best-suited to your area by asking local garden center or nursery staff or contacting Master Gardeners in your region. There’s nothing better than a personal recommendation from someone who says: This plant produces prolifically and smells heavenly!

Early spring is a perfect time to prepare your roses for a bountiful bloom cycle. For more than a decade I’ve followed a spring rose-care program prescribed by a Seattle area nurseryman I once interviewed. I like the approach because it uses natural minerals and amendments:

• In February, March or April (after the last frost), apply 1 cup of superphosphate to each rose in the garden, spreading the granules around the plant’s root zone and working them into the soil with a cultivator. Superphosphate builds strong root systems and improves roses’ ability to flower repeatedly all summer.
• In March or April, apply 1 cup of alfalfa meal or 2 cups of alfalfa pellets to each rose. Alfalfa slowly releases nitrogen, as well as an enzyme that increases the plant’s feeder-root system. It acts as a catalyst that enhances the entire fertilizing effort.
• Starting in April or May (as soil begins to warm), apply a granular fertilizer. Use ½ cup per rose and reapply every four to six weeks through August. I prefer to use organic rose food, such as Whitney Farms’ Rose & Flower Food.
• In May or June, apply up to ½ cup Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) at the base of each plant. This stimulates new, larger canes and enhances flower color. This is a good treatment to revitalize older, tired roses, when coupled with a feeding program.

If you feed your roses well, they’ll be healthier and less likely to succumb to diseases or pests. Enjoy every bloom.