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LIFESTYLE

FLOWERING ROSE BUSHES FOR

NEXT SEASON

By Elize Malan

n abundance of literature is available leggy plants and an untidy appearance. There is no right or wrong way when

on the topic of successful rose Added to this, we had an early cold spell pruning roses and easy growers like
Agrowing, but my opinion is that we and growth slowed. Iceberg will bounce back from the most
had unnatural circumstances this summer ignorant pruning. Treat your plants with
season. Do not despair, no drastic measures are respect. The beautiful new stems from
necessary. Have some patience. Do not the previous season should be kept and
Initially, there was extremely dry hot prune until we are well into July. The the completed pruning height should be
weather, resulting in most rose bushes roses are not fully dormant. If we continue about knee high.
not getting enough water in spring. The watering and prune in June, the plants
summer rains were abundant and roses will start sprouting. This will result in blind After pruning, it will be reasonably easy to
(being very resilient plants) bounced back shoots without flower buds at the tip. move between the rose bushes without
and provided spectacular shows of flowers getting hooked, and the application of
and dense growth. Moving into autumn, Order the compost / peanut shells / compost and whatever else you deem
cool nights and enough rain set the scene agricultural lime and the fertiliser you necessary can be done. The soil can
for perfect autumn flowering lasting until will need to improve the soil for the next then be tilled and irrigated. Start regular
pruning time in July. season. The shallow, fine root-hair area of watering of the rose bed when new
rose bushes is where most of the growth growth becomes visual.
Lockdown came and interfered with the comes from. This is the only time during
rose maintenance schedules. The last the year that digging in the root zone of Now is the time to decide on a fertilising
necessary fertiliser for the season could not roses should be done. The roots are not and preventative spraying program.
be applied. The majority of homeowners very active in winter due to the drop in
could not even buy fertiliser. temperature and little damage will occur. Provide your gardener with the necessary
schedule and set reminders on your
The same happened with spraying You can buy new secateurs and if you do calendar.
schedules. There was no one to apply the not own a short handled pruning lopper,
necessary cocktails to prevent blackspot get one. A decent pair of gloves is essential. The time and effort spent on preparation
on the plants, nor could the products be It’s a good idea to watch a pruning video; will not be wasted and you can expect the
bought. Ludwig’s Roses explains the basics very reward throughout next summer.
well.
As a result of this, the majority of rose
gardens have de-foliated rose bushes,

INTRA MUROS JULY 2020 19