How To: Cental California Roses

Rose Q & A with Steve McShane

Question:
Monterey County is well regarded by rose aficionados. What can you tell us about growing these beautiful flowers?

One of the most successful of all plants in Monterey County is the rose. Thanks to our mild climate and incredible soils, roses thrive and produce abundant flowers eight to nine months out of the year.

Roses can be divided into three predominant categories: Hybrid Tea, Grandiflora and Floribunda. The Hybrid Tea is the most popular. These are the roses that are designed for cutting and arrangements. The Grandiflora is similar to the hybrid tea, just larger. The floribunda boasts clusters of blossoms and is perfect for adding color to landscaping.

In each of these categories, there are a great deal of shapes and sizes with which roses can be grown and enjoyed. The popular is as a shrub. Another popular type of growth habit is as a climbing vine. Finally, there are tree roses. Depending on the application, roses are very versatile and easily adapted to a wide range of conditions. The key is getting them started right and keeping them healthy.

The first key to success is the selecting the right location. Roses like at least four to six hours of sunlight each day. They prefer rich, loamy soil and moderate drainage. Roses can be planted alone or with other perennials and can even handle some light wind. The best time to buy roses in Monterey County is the winter and spring. Select plants that look vigorous and have well dispersed branches.

Once home, you’ll need to plant it. As a rule of thumb, you need to dig a hole twice as big as the container the rose came in. Be sure to loosen the soil on the sides and bottom of the hole. Fill the hole with water. If it takes longer than an hour to drain, than you will need to dig it deeper and may even need to amend your soil to improve draining.

When planting, always use a “Starter Fertilizer” that can be cultivated into the soil. You will also need to mix your “native” soil with 50% organic planting mix. Vitamin B-1 is also helpful for reducing transplant shock. When planting, break up the roots and be sure the “bud union” is above the soil. I always recommend leaving a ring of soil around the plant to retain water.

In the winter months, you will need to prune your roses. This is a very important step to prevent spread of disease from one season to the next. It also allows the plant to mature with ideal structure for beauty and bloom production. I recommend only the sharpest and best pruning shears.

An additional point to keep in mind is that your roses need to be fertilized on a regular basis. In the late winter and spring apply a nitrogen rich fertilizer monthly. Late summer and fall you’ll want to apply a phosphorus and potassium rich fertilizer. Epsom salts in September are recommended as well.

Roses are one of Monterey County’s most celebrated flower. I wish you luck.. For more information, contact the Monterey Bay Rose Society at www.montereyrosesociety.org or the American Rose Society at www.ars.com.