Year-Round Care for Your Rose Bushes: A Guide from Everlast Lawns & Landscapes

Roses are a timeless addition to any garden, adding elegance, fragrance, and vibrant color. However, keeping your rose bushes healthy and blooming requires consistent care throughout the year. At Everlast Lawns & Landscapes, serving the greater Cumming, GA area, we understand the nuances of rose care and want to help you keep your garden flourishing in every season.

Here’s a month-by-month guide to caring for your rose bushes and ensuring they remain the pride of your landscape.

Winter: Preparing for a Strong Start

Key Tasks:

• Prune: Late winter (around February in Georgia) is the ideal time to prune your rose bushes. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood and shape the plant for healthy growth.
• Mulch: Add a fresh layer of mulch to protect roots from fluctuating temperatures and retain soil moisture.
• Inspect for Pests: Clean up fallen leaves and debris around the base to prevent overwintering pests and diseases.

Spring: Encouraging New Growth

Spring is the season for fresh starts, and your roses are ready to thrive!

Key Tasks:

• Fertilize: Begin fertilizing in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Look for formulas designed for roses to support blooming and healthy foliage.
• Water Regularly: Provide deep, consistent watering, but avoid overwatering. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
• Watch for Pests: As temperatures warm, keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and other pests. Use insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.

Summer: Maximizing Blooms

Summer is when your roses are in full display, but the heat requires extra attention.

Key Tasks:

• Deadhead: Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers throughout the season.
• Water Wisely: Water deeply at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
• Apply Mulch: Refresh mulch around the base to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Fall: Preparing for Dormancy

As the growing season winds down, fall is the time to help your roses transition into dormancy.

Key Tasks:

• Fertilize Sparingly: Stop fertilizing about six weeks before the first expected frost to prevent new growth that can be damaged by cold.
• Remove Debris: Clear away any fallen leaves or dead flowers to reduce the risk of diseases overwintering.
• Light Pruning: Trim back any overly long or weak branches to protect the plant from winter damage.

General Tips for Healthy Roses

1. Choose the Right Location: Roses thrive in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Space Them Properly: Good airflow reduces the risk of fungal infections like black spot and powdery mildew.
3. Monitor Soil pH: Roses prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Conduct a soil test and amend as needed.

Let Everlast Lawns & Landscapes Help You Grow

Caring for rose bushes can be rewarding but requires attention to detail throughout the year.

At Everlast Lawns & Landscapes, we’re here to support your landscaping needs, from planting and pruning to creating a garden that thrives in every season.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let our team bring beauty and expertise to your outdoor space in Cumming, GA. Together, we’ll keep your roses blooming beautifully year after year!