Backyard roses represent beauty, glamour, and of course, love. They are one of the most sought-after flowers in the world.
According to the Society of American Florists, in 2021, 250 million roses were produced for Valentine’s alone.
With people’s love for this elegant and fragrant flower, it’s no wonder why having a backyard rose garden is high on the list of gardeners and novices wanting to transform their backyard into an oasis. For those of you uncertain about where to start, we’re here to help.
What do you need to grow backyard roses?
Seeds
Coast of Maine Organic Natural Gardening Compost Potting Planting Soil
Coast of Maine Organic Natural Gardening Compost Potting Planting Soil is a unique blend of compost and other natural ingredients that is perfect for potting, planting, and garden beds.
It is made with organic ingredients and is OMRI listed for organic gardening.
To start, you need to look for a space for your rose garden. The great thing about roses is you can have a small backyard rose garden or a large one and still have the romantic feel you want. In looking for a space, keep in mind a few important points.
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Sunny Location – To thrive, roses do best in a sunny location.
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Good Drainage – Roses love water, but if it doesn’t drain properly, it will cause damage to their roots. Therefore whether your spot is large or small, make sure it drains easily.
Once you’ve found a sunny location that drains quickly, you must prepare the soil. To boost your new garden, you want to work a mixture high in organic matter into your soil.
Planting
Iceberg Climbing Rose
We’ve chosen this gorgeous Iceberg Climbing Rose! It produces beautiful white flowers that are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any garden. The Iceberg Climbing Rose is also very easy to care for and is perfect for anyone who wants to add a bit of beauty to their outdoor space without putting in a lot of work.
Transplant roses to your backyard
Most gardeners are patient, but some of us are looking for instant gratification, and buying a rose bush such as the beautiful iceberg climbing rose will have your garden blooming in no time. You may also wish to purchase your rose bush from a nearby nursery.
Seeds
If you’re very patient, you may want to plant your garden with seeds. Only many seed companies suggest you begin your garden in a greenhouse and then transport them. If you decide to go with individual seeds, it will take up to sixteen weeks to germinate, and depending upon the quality, only 30% will sprout. On the upside, if you decide to seed your backyard rose garden, you’ll be filled with pride once your seeds sprout. You’ll also save a boatload of cash.
Rose Friendly Climates
Zone Garden
Zone Garden 5, 6, 7
When looking to plant roses or any type of foliage, it’s great to have a guide close by. The ZONE GARDEN: A SUREFIRE GUIDE TO GARDENING IN ZONES 5, 6, and 7 will help you navigate your way to the best roses for your area.
Fertilize your backyard roses.
Fertilize Your Backyard Roses
Bloom Booster
Blooms! You want lots of blooms! So why not try a Bloom Buster-like Flower Fuel 1-34-32? Bloom Booster by Element Nutrients is sure to have your backyard dripping with roses. Its 100% hydroponic-grade, soluble bloom fertilizer has over 40 proprietary ingredients formulated to give you the blooms you want.
It doesn’t matter if you choose red roses that climb up a canopy trellis or pink roses that act as a groundcover, spreading rose petals at your feet – you need to fertilize them. Watering them is necessary. And roses drink a lot of water, but you need to help them get nutrients to grow and thrive, making your backyard rose garden worthy of a magazine cover.
You should start feeding your backyard roses as soon as there is no more chance of a winter frost and as soon as they begin to bloom. After the first bloom, feed them, and each time there is a bloom cycle. This should be approximately every two to four weeks throughout the summer. You should no longer fertilize roses by late summer to prepare them for the winter months.
Aphids on your backyard roses?
Insect Control
Garden Safe Fungicide
Can be used up to the day of harvest. Can be used as an insecticide, fungicide, and miticide. No mixing is required, just point and spray. Use on roses, flowers, houseplants, ornamental trees, shrubs, fruits, and vegetables.
Your backyard roses are spectacular. The fragrance fills up your yard while the white cast iron patio furniture you’ve placed under the drooping canopy of white makes you feel as if you’re in a fairy tale. Then tragedy strikes! You notice the rose leaves are dry and curling. You have bugs, and in this case, aphids, and you need to act fast. Aphids are tiny insects that love roses, and they show you by attaching themselves to your beautiful roses and sucking the nutrients out of the rose. If you don’t act quickly, they will strip the bush bare. Once you see the dry curled leaves, turn them over, and you can spot them bundled in groups feeding.
Thankfully, they are controllable. If you’re entirely into natural remedies, you can spray Aphids with a strong water spray and watch them fall off. If you choose this method, it’s a good idea to do this early in the morning so the plant can dry off during the day.
For a more permanent solution, you can spray them with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to kill them.
How often do you prune roses?
Pruning Shears
Gonicc 8″ Professional Premium Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears
These titanium, top-of-the-line pruners are perfect for anyone who takes gardening seriously. These pruners are strong, lightweight, and comfortable, with a quality blade made of Ultra-fine Polishing Technology and ergonomically designed non-slip handles.
They can cut up to 3/4″ in diameter, making them perfect for any size rose bush.
Pruning your backyard rose garden should be ongoing. Cutting off dead flowers so new growth can occur is part of having the perfect garden. But to prepare your rose garden for the growing season, you need to give it a major prune (think of it as spring housekeeping). Knowing your growing zone will help establish when you need to prune. Some zones start in early January while and into late May. Here are a few things to remember when pruning your backyard rose garden.
- Always wear gloves to protect yourself from the thorns and wear clothing with long sleeves.
- Use a good pair of pruning shears
- Remove all dead and diseased branches
- Remove anything thinner than a pencil
- Remove up to ⅓ of the plant’s growth
- Clean out twigs and branches surrounding the rose base
One of the most rewarding feelings in the world will be gathering fresh roses from your garden.
Transition your roses from the garden to your backyard
- The ideal time to harvest your prized homegrown roses will be just after the bud stage when the petals start to open.
- Ideally, look to harvest when your roses are most hydrated, early in the morning or at night.
- Use sharp cutters to make a clean cut. This allows the roses to retain the majority of their uptake channels. Poor cuts will cause your roses not to receive the required water once they are in your home.
- Once in your home, recut the stems at a 45-degree angle, once again using a sharp pair of cutters. The purpose of the 45-degree cut is to ensure your stems won’t lay flat on the bottom of your vase.
- Make sure not to have any leaves below the vase’s water line. Prune or remove any leaves to help assure the minimization of rot.
- Change your water daily and plan on cutting your stems every two days to help promote water intake for your roses.