How to Grow Roses Like a Pro

Roses can be—dare we say—a thorny topic. Sure, some varieties can be extra picky about soil; others get faint at the first sign of insects or disease. But between their gorgeous appearance and unbeatable smell, there really is no substitute. So, for all the fellow rose fans out there, this guide is for you. Here are our pro tips for expert rose care.

The Basics

There are a few things to know if you want to set yourself up for success. The first is how to choose the right location. Roses like lots of direct sunlight, at least six hours per day. If they don’t get enough, you may notice the plant doesn’t flower as much as it should. Worse, it could succumb to pests or disease.

Roses also need a good amount of water, unless you choose a drought-tolerant variety, which will require less once established. A general rule of thumb for healthy roses is 1 to 2 inches of water per week. And be sure to allow plenty of space around your plant because roses like ample airflow.

Lastly, consider the soil. Roses appreciate a well-draining, slightly acidic soil, which means soil amendments may be required to adjust conditions to their liking. A soil test can provide the needed insights on what, if anything, should be added.

Create Fertile Ground

A good fertilization routine is key to achieving a riot of lush blooms. We recommend an application of a granular slow-release formula at the beginning of the growing season. This will provide your roses with a steady supply of nutrients. However, since roses are heavy feeders, they’ll likely need a second application midway through the season. The best time for this is after the roses have completed their first bloom cycle.

Keep Them in Tip-Top Shape

For as finicky as roses may seem, you might be surprised to learn that most actually like pruning. Early spring is generally a good time for a major prune as it will promote healthy growth and more blooms in the season ahead. Plus, opening up the center of the plant will promote better airflow, increasing resistance to fungal diseases.

Pruning also provides an opportunity to look for dead or diseased canes—the main stems of a rose plant—that should be cut back to a healthier section. Typically, the center of the stem (called a pith) is light in color or white when healthy, while a dark-colored pith signals trouble.

Regular tune-ups to maintain shape can be done all season long, though we don’t recommend pruning after September or October. Stopping in the fall allows your plant’s new growth to harden before the first freeze.

Treat Yourself to Some Flowers

After you’ve shown your roses some love, they’re likely to return the favor in numerous flowers throughout the season. Which begs the question: can you cut some to enjoy inside without harming the plant? The answer is yes! The best time to harvest is early in the bud stage, when flowers have just barely started to open. Try to make the cut early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and the roses will be at their most hydrated.

Don’t Forget Deadheading

Last but not least, don’t forget some types of reblooming roses require regular deadheading. This simply means removing expired or damaged blooms from the plant. Doing so will encourage the production of new blooms. If you have self-cleaning rose—such as the Grace N’ Grit, Nitty Gritty, or Knock Out varieties—you’re in luck. These require no deadheading because the blooms will drop on their own.

If you love roses as much as we do, check out our revitalization of the Tupperware rose gardens. And for more landscape intel, be sure to sign up for our Dig into Series. We’ll deliver helpful tips straight to your inbox so you never miss a thing.