Frequently Asked Questions:

Roses

Can roses be grown successfully in Tucson?

Can I grow roses successfully in containers?

When is the best time to plant roses?

How do I water my rose?

How do I feed my rose?

When do I prune my rose?

The new buds on my rose are distorted and turning brown at the tips. What’s wrong?

I have patches of gray-green powdery residue on the foliage of my rose bush. What’s wrong?

Can roses be grown successfully in Tucson?

Roses do well in Tucson with appropriate irrigation and feeding (roses are heavy feeders, and require ample irrigation). Roses will perform best if located in an area that will receive full morning sun and afternoon shade. Some varieties will perform better than others in our climate- we carry only varieties that are suitable for growing in Tucson.Back to Top

Can I grow roses successfully in containers?

Roses do very well in containers, as long as the container has drain holes, and is large enough to accommodate future growth of the plant.Back to Top

When is the best time to plant roses?

The best time to plant ‘ready-plant’ roses is in December and January. This will give the plant ample time to grow and develop a good root system before the hot summer months. This is also the time to find the best selection of boxed roses. Container roses are available and ready to plant in April.Back to Top

How do I water my rose?

Established roses in the ground-water deeply twice a week in Jan., three times a week Feb.-April, every other day in May, daily June-Sept., every other day in October, and three times a week in November. Decrease the frequency of watering in December until watering only once a week by the end of the month.Back to Top

How do I feed my rose?

Established roses in the ground - fertilize once a month Feb.-Sept. with El Toro Flower and Vegetable Fertilizer. Add Epsom Salts when fertilizing. Apply fertilizer and Epsom salts at half strength during the summer months.

Container roses - fertilize with Grow More Rose Food (water soluable) Feb.-Sept.Back to Top

When do I prune my rose?

Do your heavy pruning in January, while roses are still dormant. Selective pruning to remove unwanted/damaged branches or spent blooms may be done as needed. When removing a bud or spent blossom, be sure to cut just above a five-leaflet grouping that is facing away from the interior of the plant. A light pruning of the entire plant may be done mid-September.Back to Top

The new buds on my rose are distorted and turning brown at the tips. What’s wrong?

This is a sign of thrip damage. Thrips are a tiny, almost microscopic insects that suck on the flower buds as the buds start to develop. You can prevent the damage by spraying very young buds with Orthene or Orthenex. This will also prevent aphid damage.Back to Top

I have patches of gray-green powdery residue on the foliage of my rose bush. What’s wrong?

This is an indication of a fungus called powdery mildew, which is a very common problem to find on roses. Spray with Orthenex, Greenlight Fung-Away, or Greenlight Neem Oil.Back to Top