According to Mark Dwelly, head gardener at Audley Stanbridge Earls retirement village, rose bushes can keep flowering all summer long. The key is to regularly remove faded flowers – a process known as deadheading.
“Pruning your roses can sound scary, but it’s really just like giving them a haircut,” he explained. “Most new roses will flower in various bursts from late spring right through to autumn so long as you keep removing old flowers, but the old fashioned types only tend to bloom once.” Deadheading not only encourages fresh blooms but also keeps your rose bush looking neat and healthy throughout the season.
Keeping roses in bloom doesn’t stop at pruning – it’s also about understanding when and how to water and feed them.
Mark recommends giving rose bushes a thorough soak at the base once a week, especially during hot or dry weather, taking care to avoid wetting the leaves.
“Roses absolutely love the sun,” he said, noting that they should be planted in areas that get at least half a day of sunlight.
“Feed them during spring when you see new leaves appear, and then again after each big flush of flowers to replenish them,” he advised.
Use either specialist rose food or a general-purpose fertiliser, but stop feeding them by late summer so they can begin to harden off for winter.
For those looking to make their rose beds even more vibrant and pest-resistant, the choice of companion plants can make a real difference.
Plants like lavender and salvia are not just visually pleasing but also attract pollinators and deter pests, creating a natural support system for your roses.
“Planting other flowers near your rose bush isn’t just for aesthetics,” said Mark. “It’s an added bonus that they look so good together with their bursts of colours.”
Companion planting also helps increase air circulation, which can lower the risk of fungal issues that often plague roses.
Common threats to roses include aphids, black spot and powdery mildew, but with regular care, these problems can often be prevented or minimised.
“To help prevent those from appearing, maintenance is essential,” Mark stressed. A healthy rose plant with good airflow and sunlight is your best defence, and natural remedies such as soapy water sprays can tackle pests without harming beneficial insects.
If you spot any diseased leaves, remove them promptly; roses may be tough plants, but a bit of consistent attention goes a long way toward keeping them blooming beautifully.