Roses have a long and vibrant history that spans centuries. They have been symbols of love, beauty, war, wealth and politics. Historians state that according to fossil evidence the Rose genus is approx 35 million years old. Not bad for a prickly old bush that is loved by millions!

Winter is the right time to be planting new roses as well as being the correct time to prune, fertilise, mulch and spray established roses.

The Right Rose

Roses come in all shapes, colours and sizes – there are literally thousands of varieties available. Each season, new varieties appear, as the demand for innovation, new colours and hardier plants is relentless.

When selecting roses for the garden:

• choose well branched healthy looking specimens
• avoid rose plants which have withered or damaged looking stems
• look for the high health symbol on the rose labels, this means the roses are free from virus and disease.

With such a wide offering to choose from it can be difficult to know what is best for your garden to create the look you desire.
 
Consider these tips to assist in rose selection or consult garden centre or nursery staff for more detailed advice:

• Climbing or rambling roses can be trained along a fence, veranda or pergola. Provide strong supports and these roses will create a stunning look
• Flower Carpet and low growing varieties have real flower power. Flower Carpet roses are a popular choice to add height and form to Rose and garden beds
• Standard and bush roses are perfect to create a formal look and focal point for any garden. Plant bulbs and herbs below these roses for year-round colour
• Scented roses are a great choice for entrances, lining paths and under windows
• Patio roses are typically compact and durable so grow well in pots and containers for the patio. Also are great for picking
• Miniature or buttonhole roses are dainty and small, so are perfect for planting in flower borders

 
Other considerations:

Climate

Choosing the right roses for your particular climate zone is essential. Choosing the best rose varieties for your specific climate should mean fewer pest and disease issues and an overall healthier garden.

Colour

Usually it is simply a matter of personal preference, but you may want to try creating a complimentary colour palette for your rose garden.

For instance white tea roses can be striking against a dark red brick home, or an arrangement of pink roses can be the perfect compliment to a stone or marble entranceway.

Height and space

Roses can grow anywhere between 8 – 20 feet so check how big the plant will be when mature. Your roses will need plenty of space to grow as well as room for exposure to the air.

Planting roses

Correct planting is essential to ensure strong healthy rose bushes with an abundance of flowers:

• Roses need at least 5 hours sun a day and prefer a spot that is sheltered from strong winds.
• Choose a sunny spot and prepare the soil by digging it over thoroughly and adding Tui Power Flower. This can be used in pots as well as garden beds.
• Next, dig a hole big enough to hold the roots and stem, generally twice the size of the original pot or rootball.
• Make a mound 5 to 10cm high in the centre of the hole. 
• Knock the plant carefully out of its container and place in the centre of the hole, spreading the roots out evenly over the small mound.
• Ensure the graft / bud union (this looks like a knot on the stem) is sitting above ground level.
• Now you can fill in the hole, firm in the soil around the plant and water well.
• To finish off, add a layer of rose compost as mulch for added water conservation and weed control.

Rose care for established bushes

Roses are easy to please and with a few basic chores done over the cooler winter months they will be able to reward you with an abundance of striking blooms for next season.

Pruning:

• Prune in mid to late winter. For best results use clean sharp tools and prune on a clear warm day.  When pruning remove all dead and diseased stems. Generally aim to cut the main branches back by half and clear the centre of the plant to allow good air movement, leaving at least three to four main canes in a open vase shape.
• Remove any growth that may be coming out from below the graft and make all cuts on an angle, just above an outward facing bud.

Spraying:

• There is no substitute for good hygiene, feeding and watering to promote healthy roses. Early in winter spray with copper to prevent any diseases carrying over to the next season. If your roses are relatively disease free then you don’t need to do this.
• Later in winter lime-sulphur can be used to clean up powdery mildew. Make sure that you leave several weeks between spraying with copper or lime sulphur.
• Spray with Tui Eco-Fungicide and Tui Eco-Pest to control insects and disease like black spot and powdery mildew.
• Planting garlic under roses helps keep aphids away.

Fertilising:

• During the winter months roses do not need a lot of extra food.
• In the spring when roses start growing again, an application of Tui Rose Food will enhance the establishment and growth of healthy roses. This fertiliser has an excellent level of potassium, which is the nutrient responsible for promoting large, vibrant, healthy blooms.
• For established roses apply 200g (1 cup) per square metre and water in well. Application should be done in early spring and then again in mid December for an autumn flush of bloom.