Why Roses Get Damaged or Die Articles | Rose Gardening

By: Joe Dively

Contrary to popular opinion, rose gardens are relatively simple to start and maintain.  Rose plants are hardy perennials, many of them surviving with little or no human intervention, growing wild.   Getting your garden off to a good start may be the best way to stave off the dangers that could damage your plants in the long run.

First, select healthy plants that are suited for your climate and soil.  Your local garden center will be stocked with appropriate plants for your growing season.  You should inspect the rose plant as you would any plant you are interested in purchasing.  Any rot along the roots or dead canes would be an indication that the plant is unhealthy or has been mishandled and will not survive planting. 

The next step in ensuring that your roses survive will be preparing the soil.  Most experts agree that careful conditioning of soil is vital to your garden’s healthy success.  Simply put, the extra work you complete before planting will pay off in the long run in the way of healthier plants.   Begin by digging down into the ground about a foot. Save this soil for later use.  Next, add compost, peat moss or even cultured manure to this layer, followed by a second dig meant to mix the soil with the additive.  Now, you can replace the first foot of soil and begin your planting.  Poor soil quality is an enemy of your rose plants. 

During the cold winter months, the dangerous cycle of freezing and thawing can cause plants to shift underground, damaging their root systems.  This can kill your rose plants.  Mulch is a great way to protect these plants during the damaging winter months. 
It works in the summer too, keeping weeds away and helping to keep the moisture level of your plants consistent.  For this benefit, add mulch to your regular care shortly before the first bloom appears.   By reinforcing the plant with several inches of soil and covering that soil with mulch, you will protect the plant’s root system from the harsh conditions of winter and you will see a healthy plant emerge in the spring

Fungal diseases, such as black spot and powdery mildew thrive on wet plants and messy flowerbeds.  Keeping fallen leaves and other garden debris away from the roots of the plants will enable you to water the plants directly at the roots as well as keep fungus and other problems at bay.  Watering should always be done at the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves, stems and flowers to keep away mold and rust, both of which endanger the health of your roses. 

Insects such as aphids, thrips, beetles and caterpillars may also target your roses.  For insects, prevention may be found with early season spraying of dormant season oil just before the growth of spring begins.  If pests still make their way into your rose garden, there are several options for ridding your plants of them.  These can be maintained with a combination of removal by hand and treatment with insecticidal soap. 

Your roses, with a little care and vigilance, will be well protected from dangerous weather conditions, diseases and pests.