Keep roses thriving ‘all summer’ with homemade ‘solution’


Rose bushes are a quintessential feature of many people’s gardens, making a statement in containers or flowerbeds.

They come in an array of colours, but getting a rose to bloom all summer long can be tricky.

Elise Harlock, brand manager at Prestige Flowers, said: “Roses are the stars of the garden, and with a bit of care, they can thrive all summer long.

“Roses are susceptible to pests like aphids and spider mites, which can diminish their beauty.

“A quick and easy solution is to mix a few drops of washing-up liquid in a spray bottle filled with water.

“Spray this mixture directly on the affected areas once a week to keep pests at bay. It’s a gentle yet effective method that won’t harm your roses.”

According to the expert, roses are heavy feeders, which means they need a consistent supply of nutrients.

Elise recommended feeding roses with a balanced fertiliser every four to six weeks.

She added: “You can also use banana peels. They’re rich in potassium, which supports blooming. Just chop them up and bury them around the base of your rose bushes.

“Ensure your roses receive deep watering once a week, especially during dry periods.

“Using a soaker hose is a great way to deliver water directly to the roots without wasting a drop.”

Pruning is another essential job to keep garden roses healthy and vigorous.

Trim back dead or diseased wood and regularly deadhead spent flowers, encouraging new growth and “extending the blooming season”.

The flower pro added: “You can simply snap off dead blooms with your fingers or use a pair of sharp pruners.

“Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. But here’s a clever hack, use old newspapers.

“Lay a few layers around your roses and cover them with organic mulch like bark or compost.

“This not only helps the environment by recycling paper but also keeps your garden neat and tidy.”

According to the expert, Epsom salt is “often overlooked” when it comes to rose care, as it provides magnesium, essential for rose health.

Dissolve a tablespoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and simply spray roses monthly to “enhance their colour and vitality”.



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