Mothers across the area will be gifted with a rose bush for Mother’s Day. And area garden enthusiasts are planting new bushes this time of year, as well.
“They’re really not too hard to grow if you know what you’re doing,” said Richard Sharpe, past president and current member of the Tri-State Rose Society.
Many new varieties require little care, while hybrid tea roses, the kind you see in florists and beautiful rose gardens, may take more knowledge. In that case, Mr. Sharpe suggests joining the Rose Society. “It’s just $8 annually and is a good resource,” he added.
For beginners, here are five tips.
1. Select a No. 1-grade rose. “You may pay a little more for the best quality, but it’s worth it,” Mr. Sharpe said. If the grade is not marked on the package, ask your salesperson, he said. “You don’t want roses with wax on the stems.”
2. Plant rose bushes in areas that receive at least four to six hours of sun per day. All-day sun is best.
3. To plant, dig a hole about 20 inches deep and 20 inches in diameter. Roots should be evenly spread on a small pyramid of soil in the center bottom of the hole. Water one inch deep and fertilize weekly. Do not overwater.
4. The soil should be a good mix of half top soil and half organic material, such as Black Gold, available at Windwood Bulk in Fort Oglethorpe. “It’s worth the trip,” Mr. Sharpe said.
5. To keep deer away, the Sharpes have found Liquid Fence to be very effective. It’s available at area garden centers and hardware stores.