Rose, the characteristics of the plant
The rose is a plant in the Rosaceae family (which includes not only many types of flowers, but also fruit plants such as cherry, peach, apricot, apple, and pear). It probably originated 60 to 70 million years ago in Asia Minor and then soon spread to the rest of the world. Its main habitat is the Mediterranean region, where it grows spontaneously up to 1000 meters above sea level, preferring good sun exposure and a temperate climate. But it also withstands winter temperatures quite well, at least in our latitudes. There are many varieties of roses, some bushy, some climbing, or even in the form of small trees. Their flowers can also vary greatly from one another, both in size and shape. One of the most common species is the dog rose, which also grows spontaneously in our country, while the glauca rose and the pendulum rose are mainly common in the Alps. It is primarily an ornamental plant that is grown in the garden or in pots to add a splash of color to the environment. In fact, roses are among the most beautiful flowers: they can have many colors, from pink to red, white, yellow, purple, and all shades in between.
How to Grow Roses
Growing roses is not that difficult: sowing is usually done in autumn so that the plant has enough time to develop its roots before the winter cold arrives. However, in areas more prone to frost, it is possible to postpone planting until the first weeks of spring, when temperatures are slowly warming up. Since the plant prefers direct sunlight, it is best to choose a spot that is well-lit for most of the day and is also well-ventilated. Some varieties also grow well in partial shade, while areas that are completely shaded, too wet, or too dry should be avoided. As for the soil, the rose does not have any special needs: however, it is better to opt for a soft soil rich in humus, capable of retaining moisture well without running the risk of forming a dangerous stagnation. Once planted, this flower needs a lot of water to grow healthily: so take care of the soil and make sure it is always moist. Remember to water early in the morning or after sunset so as not to risk burning the plant and not to wet the leaves. Towards the end of summer, it is also necessary to reduce watering to prepare the rose for winter dormancy.
Pruning roses: useful tips
We have seen that growing roses is very simple, but there is still a fundamental step to be seen: it is pruning, a very important technique to ensure that the plant grows healthy and blooms abundantly. Cutting old branches to make room for new, younger and more productive branches also serves to have a more harmonious and clean shrub. However, it is necessary to know not only the period in which the rose should best be pruned, but also the way in which pruning should be carried out. Let’s see what the most useful tips are.
When should roses be pruned?
Pruning can be done in three seasons: winter, summer and autumn. While summer and fall can be skipped, winter is still essential for plant health. Removal of dry or wilted branches should be done between late January and early February (but can be postponed to March in places with a higher risk of late frosts). At the end of flowering, you can intervene again to remove diseased or parasite-infested branches, but also to thin an overly lush shrub that threatens to deprive the innermost flowers of air and light.
How to prune roses
Now let’s look at how to prune roses. Take a close look at the plant and choose the branches to be cut – focus on dry or diseased branches, but also on those that have grown too much indoors and therefore cannot take advantage of sunlight and adequate air circulation. Not only will the latter never produce lush flowers, but it will also deprive the rest of the plant of important nutrients. How do I proceed? The cut should be made on a healthy gemstone. It is good to choose a bud that goes outwards, this way you will have a nicer shape of the bush. Pruning should be done in the opposite direction to the bud and at an angle. Only 2 or 3 shoots should be maintained per branch, in this way the branches produced will become stronger and can produce roses with bright colors. Pruning is somewhat different for climbing roses, real trees. In this case, the branches should stay longer than those of small or potted plants. To achieve optimal flowering, it is also possible to leave 5 or 6 buds. The cutting technique is the same, i.e., oblique cut compared to the gemstone. In this case, too, it is advisable to use a support. For summer or autumn pruning, it is only recommended to free the plants from the dry branches and remove the now wilted roses, in this way it is also possible to extend the flowering period. If the scar on your incision is large, be sure to cover it with caulk. To avoid transmitting diseases to the plant, remember to also properly sterilize scissors and other cutting tools both before and after each cut. Proper care is essential to have healthy roses that are always lush and blooming.
