A frequent question I am asked is, “What do you use to foliar feed your roses?”
I usually respond with (no snark whatsoever), “Why would I waste my time doing that?”
The questioner looks stunned and usually can’t give me a good answer. I launch into Master Rosarian mode.
Let’s bust this myth.
The main reason it’s a waste of time to apply plant food to the leaves is because plants don’t eat through their leaves. It’s that simple. Plants “eat” through their roots, especially the smaller rootlets. Put the plant food around the drip line of the plant or at the base of the plant and water it all in. Voila! Plants fed. Plants happy.
Diving deeper, let’s look at the function of the leaf. I like to compare the top of the leaf to a solar panel. Solar energy is absorbed, photosynthesis happens, energy is transmitted to the roots to the microbiome mycorrhiza, and nutrients are exchanged. Additionally, leaves often have a waxy coating that protects them and keeps things out…like water. That waxy coating won’t let you apply fertilizer where it can’t be utilized. The underside of a leaf can be compared to lungs. There are small pores on the underside of the leaf called stomata. Gases like carbon dioxide and oxygen are exchanged through the stomata. This is how a plant breathes. Carbon dioxide in, oxygen out. It’s a good thing.
In summary: Top side of leaf – solar panel. Underside of leaf – lungs. This is the basic function of the leaf.
Myth busted.
This summer, remember to water your roses deeply, feed lightly, and keep up with deadheading. And bust those garden myths!
The accompanying picture is from my garden of the hybrid tea rose, Gemini, which grows well in most climates (and is fed at the roots). This easy-to-grow rose grows to a medium sized bush, has large flowers up to 5 inches across when fully open, and blooms singularly or in sprays (some of which can be quite large and impressive, especially in the fall). Gemini is a great rose for beginners, flower arrangements, and winning Queen of Show at Rose Shows. Highly recommended!
The Red Bluff Garden Club is a member of the Cascade District, California Garden Clubs, Inc., Pacific Region Garden Clubs, Inc., and National Garden Clubs, Inc.
The club meets on the last Tuesday of the month, except for June, July, and December, at 1 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 525 David Ave, Red Bluff. Drop by and join us.
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