A living rose – the gift of love for Valentine’s Day
Presenting a bunch of cut roses is the
traditional way of celebrating Valentine’s Day,
but a rose plant that will live for many years is
a far more appropriate way to acknowledge a
long-lasting commitment.
Which rose to choose?
For most, red roses will always the number
one choice for Valentine’s Day. Old-
fashioned favourites like Papa Meilland and
Mr Lincoln have traditionally beautiful,
fragrant, red flowers.
Other roses can be chosen because they
have Valentine-friendly names. Some good
Valentine’s Day suggestions are: Angel Face,
Best Friend, My Hero, Scentimental, Racy
Lady, My Girl or Sexy Rexy (bred by New
Zealand’s best-known rose breeder, Sam
McGredy).
Specific rose varieties may be in short supply
at this time of year (winter’s the season for
the greatest choice) but you’re bound to find
some potted roses on sale.
Where to plant?
Bush roses are best planted in an open spot
in the garden. Lots of sun and plenty of air
movement will reduce the risk of fungal
diseases. Before planting, dig in heaps of
rich, old organic matter.
Smaller roses will grow happily in pots. Yates
Tuscan pots, with their good drainage and
portability, are available up to a 500mm size
so they’re perfect for potted roses. A top
quality potting mix (such as Yates Premium
or Professional) is always the best potting
medium to use.
If you decide that a Valentine’s Day rose
should work for its keep in the garden, then
the ground-covering Flower Carpets, or a
vertical-growing climber can be planted to
perform a useful function in the landscape.
Keeping roses healthy
Modern roses grow so quickly and produce
such an abundance of blooms that they need
far more fertiliser than their wild forebears
ever did. Feed the plants regularly,
especially during the months of active growth
(September-April). This growth period can be
shorter in cooler climates, so adjust
accordingly.
Yates Gro-Plus Professional Rose Food
provides continuous controlled release feeding
for up to three months. Vary the rose diet
occasionally by feeding with Yates Blood &
Bone. And a boost with Yates Nitrosol Organic
will help the rose to build its natural defence
mechanisms.
If problems appear, Yates ready-to-use Rose
Gun or the concentrate Super Shield will help
keep roses free of pests and diseases.
Comments (1)
Add a comment
Maxine
Yates site member
15:19, 10 February 2010
I grow my roses in pots on the deck – with good watering and Yates food they are thriving. Interesting comment on changing the food – will try
Add your reply