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How to Grow Roses |
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I began unsuccessfully growing roses by following the planting
instructions for the rose varieties I bought on sale at local
supermarkets and seasonal garden centers. These plants never
made it through their first winters. After joining a newly formed
local rose society, I learned that few of the roses I had chosen
could survive in the northern conditions in which I live (American
zone 5/Canadian zone 6a). The rose society members taught me
rose-growing tips and techniques but, most important, they taught
me about the varieties that would thrive in my growing region,
enabling me to become a successful rose grower.
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basic needs of roses are pretty standard. Many will tolerate
less favorable conditions, but they won't be as healthy
or bloom to their full potential. The best varieties to
buy are those that have been propagated and grown close
to where you live. I recommend you buy from long-established
garden centers where experienced staff members can help
you select the varieties that will flourish in your growing
region. |
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Explorer
Rose 'John Davies' |
Basic Rose Requirements
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Roses
love... |
Roses
hate... |
Sunlight:
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Exposure
to more than six hours of full sun per day, which encourages
blooms.
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Receiving
less than six hours of sun per day, which will generally
result in poor blooms. |
Wind:
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Being
sheltered from prevailing winds.
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Being
located in open areas that receive prevailing winds, which
can dry out canes and can kill the plant in winter. |
Soil:
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Rich
soil (particularly clay, although not heavy clay soils),
at least half of which is composed of organic matter. |
Poor
soil that is high in mineral content (for example sand)
and low in organic content.
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Other Articles from this Issue |
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