Plant Library: Roses

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Roses are much easier to plant and to care for than many people believe. And they are xeric!

Most people believe roses are difficult to grow, but nothing could be further from the truth! In fact Payne’s Nurseries even include roses on our list of xeric plants.

The bad rap that roses have received is probably due to the fact that there has been so much written about the care of roses, how to prune, how to fertilize, how to spray for insects and disease etc., but simply stated:

  1. When the flower fades, cut it off;
  2. Fertilize with a high phosphate fertilizer (the middle number in the formula posted on the package) 2 to 3 times through the growing season;
  3. Plant in full sun to minimize the potential of disease; and
  4. If you notice insects, simply spray the plants with an aerosol insecticide.

If you’re still worried that you might make a mistake, select from Payne’s list of shrub roses which are the easiest of all to grow. We think of these roses as flowering shrubs.

See there’s nothing to it!