Early spring. For new roses: Dig a hole twice the diameter of the crown. Plant the rosebush in a mixture of half compost, half clay. Cut back the roots and canes. Bury the crowns; if they’re exposed, they can dry out, get too cold or suffer wind damage. For existing roses: As a “bloom booster,” O’Neill broadcasts Epsom salts throughout her garden. She also uses soil amendments, including compost and a slow-release organic fertilizer.

May. Prune shrub roses by cutting back at least a third of the plant and removing any intersecting branches that rub together. Also, cut out all deadwood and weak canes.

Mid-June. Fertilize again after the first bloom.

Thoughout the summer. Deadhead to encourage new growth. Remove the entire bloom, not just the petals.

Mid-July. Fertilize again after the second bloom.

Late August. Some gardeners fertilize again in August, for fall, but don’t if it’s a really hot day.

Late September. Stop deadheading; it could damage the praying mantis pods for spring. Rosehips will appear as a signal to the plant to go dormant.

Fall. Cut back really long growth to prevent windrock (extensive upper growth that could break in the wind and kill the plant).

–Lisa Truesdale

Go to feature article: Rosy Ideas

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