Watering Roses

Rose watering is very important when caring for your roses.  They get very thirsty in the hot weather and need more during this time.

In watering there are two important points to be remembered: first, that unless it can be done often, it had better not be attempted; second, when water is given, it must not only be often, but in abundance.

We must, therefore, come to a definite decision about this, and not give a tremendous watering one week and then entirely neglect our plants for the weeks that follow.  It is much better than such half-measures to leave it entirely to Nature, as the roots will go deep down to find their own moisture in that case.   Driblets are no good, they draw the roots to the surface, where they get scorched, and suffer in every way.

Water deep into the surrounding soil making sure the moisture reaches the roots; water twice a week in the hotter months and then once a week after that.  Keep the water off the petals as this can cause fungal disease.

You must never water your roses late in the day.  The plants should go to sleep with dry foliage, otherwise mildew will develop. 

Roses should always be watered early in the morning before the temperature rises - it is unnatural to water them during heat - they are accustomed to cool temperatures with rain. 

Mildew is a disease of the leaves which appears when there is too much moisture.  The use of peat moss will render watering to some extent unnecessary.

Water the roses from the roots and not from the top to avoid the growth of fungus.  Always make sure you water during the cooler part of the day.

Wall roses are the worst off when neglected, as even heavy rains do not always reach their roots.  Especially if the wall has a coping on the top of it.  They should be thoroughly drenched at least once a week in dry weather, and all the time they are blooming.