Who's got the green thumb??

Question

I am starting a rose garden this weekend. Any suggestions on the variety of roses I could plant. I live in Arizona so they will do well here. If there are any tricks I could use to ensure the life of the roses let me know
Thanks

Answer 1

Roses do well in hot dry inland areas where I live. There are commercial growers nearby.

All roses seem to grow well and if you like the "old fashioned" style of rose, the David Austin ones are robust and vigorous in my climate, and grow taller than the recommended heights.

They are gross feeders and like a lot of organic matter and good rose fertilizers (follow the directions on the packs) As I live in a dry area I give them deep watering usually once a week, once established (More when young) I heavily mulch the soil with hay. (this maintains moisture, and stops black spot and fungus spores comming up from the soil). Don't add lime unless your soil needs it. Ask at the nursery for a cheap PH kit or advice. If you add lime and you already have alkaline soil you will make it more alkaline and roses and most plants won't be happy with that, if your soil is acid you may need to add a bit of lime to bring the soil balance of the soil to neutral. (Only use the suggest amount on the packet)

Don't water the leaves if you can help it, use drip irrigation if possible. If you do water with a sprinkler do this in the morning this helps with fungus diseases.

Get a good book on pruning (not hard with instruction) and keep the centre of the bush clear (see pruning book) this encourages air flow and again less fungal disease.

I don't spray at all with chemicals, aphids I spray of with the hose, and because of the dry air I don't get many fungal problems. The old leaves do get a bit diseased right a the end of the season and then they fall off with the cold weather and are gone. Roses are tough they are related to blackberries so are not as fussy as they look.

They do like full sun, but if your area is very hot and sunny, they can get away with less, say 3/4 day. Hope this helps, don't be put off they are very easy once you get them in.

Answer 2

A good hearty heat tolerant rose would be the Lincoln variety. Don't go to crazy on adding a lot of fertilizer or even organic matter until your roses get established. Heirloom or antique roses are heartier and less susceptible to disease. You can spend a little or a lot. I have found that the roses sold at Walmart do about as well as the ones Ive purchased from the specialized stores. Roses love blood meal. Spoon it around the base of the plant and water it in. Avoid getting foliage wet to prevent fungus disease. If aphids get on your roses apply a mixture of dish washing soap and water and spray your plant. Aphids will cause the roses to look burned on the edges of the leaves and cause deformed or small buds. Water your roses frequently. To prune roses after they are established say after ten to twelve months look for the eye on the stem or branches on the rose bush. You want to cut just above the eye. Cut at the opposite angle of the direction you want the new rose growth to travel. To keep your roses blooming you must dead head. This means removing the blooms after the petals have fallen off.

Answer 3

Several important tips.
Ground prep, lots of compost, some lime, bone meal well worked in.
Spacing, be generous, lots of air circulaion is a good thing,
Choose a sunny location, morning sun is very important to dry the plants of dew and reduce molds and mildews.
Buy good stock from a reliable company that offers a warrenty.
You haven't said if you are planning on formal hybrid teas, or hardier more casual shrub roses. I don't recommend mixing the two.
Get a decent book that describes pruning techniques and control tips for insects and diseases as well as a feeding shedule.
If your plants are grafted stock get someone to show you where the grafts are. It's important not to bury the graft.
Get good pruning tools, sprayer, and gloves. You will need them.

Answer 4

Not sure If Roses will Do Good in your climate. The Best Rose site is David Austin. Good Luck !

Answer 5

Composted organic material in the plant hole to help retain water