Roses are one of the most beautiful flowers you can grow, but if yours aren’t blooming as brilliantly as you’d hoped this summer, there’s one simple task experts say can make all the difference: mulching.
‘A layer of compost spread around the base of the plant, but not touching the stem, helps the soil stay moist and cool,’ explains Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres.
It’s an easy job, but one that can help roses produce bigger, healthier flowers for longer. Below, we share exactly how to mulch roses properly, plus the other expert-approved tasks that will keep them blooming all summer long.
1. Mulch around the base
Mulching is a quick job that pays off throughout the season. By covering the soil with a layer of compost, you can help reduce moisture loss and protect roots from drying out during hot spells.
‘It takes five minutes and makes a noticeable difference through a hot summer, protecting your rose but still allowing it to do its thing in your garden,’ says Julian.
Just be careful not to pile the compost against the stem, as this can encourage rot, which can damage your roses long-term.
2. Water properly
Even the healthiest of roses struggle if they don't receive enough water – especially during prolonged warm weather.
‘Newly planted roses need a good drink every few days, so once they’re settled, once a week is usually enough, but you may need to water more if it’s been hot and dry,’ Julian says.
Roses in containers need more attention too, as in a warm spell, they may need watering every day. Just make sure the pot drains properly, as stagnant water can cause bacterial growth and nutrient deficiency.
3. Feed throughout the season
Roses are heavy feeders, and will reward you with an abundance of beautiful blooms for feeding them well throughout the season.
‘Slow-release granules like Miracle-Gro Rose Feed Granules work well and should be applied at planting, in June and again in August, to keep them going,’ Julian tells us.
Miracle-Gro Rose Plant Fertiliser Granules
Top this up with a liquid rose feed every couple of weeks through the flowering season, and you’ll notice the difference.
4. Deadhead faded flowers
Removing spent blooms encourages the plant to put its energy into producing more flowers, rather than seeds.
‘To keep your roses blooming, snip off the dead flowers as they fade,’ Julian says. ‘Make sure you use clean, sharp secateurs and cut just above a healthy leaf.’
Ensuring that deadheading is part of your regular gardening routine will keep your plants looking good and encourage them to produce a second flush.
5. Prune with care
Pruning helps maintain the shape and health of your rose, while encouraging strong new growth – and a little goes a long way.
‘Cut at a slight angle just above an outward-facing bud, take out any dead or diseased wood, and keep the middle of the plant fairly open so air can move through it,’ Julian says.
If you’ve just planted a new rose, give it a hard prune to stop it getting leggy in its first year. From here, keeping the centre of the plant open improves air circulation, reducing the risk of disease and helping your roses flourish.
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