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| John Paul II white roses are picture perfect when cut, but they fade faster than most. |
Many people are surprised to learn that roses love cooler weather. In fact, the great rose farms ship their dormant roses very early in the spring, so the plants arrive before most are active in their gardens.
The old rose books used to suggest pruning roses before the cold set in, to prevent canes whipping around in the wind or freezing at the ends. One gardener of 200 bushes said he did that. I tried to hide my shock, because that made the roses more vulnerable by encouraging growth when the roses needed to take a winter nap. Besides, that is a lot of work with zero benefits.
Our hot spell was difficult for the roses and the water bill, because roses bloom and fade so quickly in the heat. In early spring, the buds form slowly and bloom slowly, so the display of color is long and inspiring. During the Inferno season, they need more rainwater, which is sparse, and relief from the long, hot nights.
Now the autumn cool has visited with some extra rain, and the roses are showing the benefits of rain added to thorough watering. I begin by soaking the main rose garden with under-mulch soaker hoses. I no longer remember exactly where the hoses run. I have a sprinkler that I use for the corners and finish by using that sprinkler alone on the main sections, raining down on the bushes and giving the canes a good shower.
Roses vary in their growth habits, so Veterans Honor has an enormous bloom more slender canes.
In contrast, Easy Does It and Mr. Lincoln always boast long, strong canes and astonishing growth.
A good rain or a deep watering will produce surprising blooms the next day, which is fun.
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| Veterans Honor red roses are fragrant, long-lasting and large on slender stems. The orange Easy Does It roses are fast growing, prolific in bloom, with strong stems. |
