Question Time

Q How do I plant a bare-rooted rose?

A Plant immediately. Prepare the site in advance by deep digging and the application of a little blood and bone. Raised beds are not recommended as they tend to dry out. When the rose arrives remove the packing material and soak the plant in a bucket of water over night. Plant deeply, spreading out the roots with the graft at ground level. Back fill and firm the rose in an upright position and water well. That's it - you can sit back and wait for spring.

Q How do I plant a containerised rose in full growth?

A Plant the rose immediately, slipping the pot off carefully taking care not to disturb the soil or root system. DO NOT TEASE OUT THE ROOTS. Damage to the roots during planting will impede plant growth so don't touch them. They will soon make their own progress unaided. Prepare the site in advance by working the soil over then plant the rose with the graft at ground level. It is best not to water before you plant as this softens the block of soil. Back-fill and firm the plant in place. WATER WELL AFTER PLANTING. Newly-planted roses need to be watered daily - half a bucket per plant - for at least 2 weeks after planting and frequently thereafter for the first summer.

Q If my roses arrive in winter when the ground is too frozen for digging how do I look after them until I can plant?

A Plants from Tasman Bay Roses are well packed and can be kept quite happily in their bags for some time. For long periods it is advisable to puncture the bags and dip them in water from time to time. It should be remembered that any delay in planting may be detrimental to the rose - they always do better in the ground. A rose planted early in winter will take off sooner in spring. If requested, Tasman Bay Roses will move orders sent in from high altitude/southern areas to the front of the queue so that planting can take place before the permafrost sets in. You can prepare a spot in advance for heeling in if it should be necessary. Work up some ground and then cover the area with sacks. When your order arrives remove the wrapping, soak the plants in water over night and then heel them in as deeply as possible and then water. As soon as there is a thaw get the roses into their chosen spot. Prune off any shot buds, plant deeply, water well and wait with happy anticipation for the first new shoots that signal spring is here.

Q Can I plant a rose in an existing bed where another has been growing?

A Yes - but you must change the soil. When you move the unwanted plant take plenty of the surrounding soil with it and replace this with fresh material, tedious though this may be! Roses will not thrive where another has been growing. Fresh soil is essential.

Q How soon can I expect my climbing roses to reach the top of the fence?

A Give them time. A newly planted rose is working to re-establish its root system, some of which was removed when it was lifted for dispatch. While roses soon grow new roots, they do not send out vigorous long canes immediately. Some varieties are faster than others and some will grow only in a tiered kind of way - a bit at a time. As long as there is growth in the spring following planting the rose is going to gain strength and find the resources to send out climbing shoots. Plenty of water in the first two years will promote vigour and there's no need to prune until the rose is well up the fence.

Q How do I get rid of weeds round my roses?

A By hand weeding or hoeing. DO NOT use herbicides anywhere near roses. They will die if you do! At Tasman Bay Roses weed control in the nursery and garden is solely by means of hand hoeing and mechanical cultivation. The staff say they don't mind (they are all mountaineers or long-distance runners and say the work keeps them fit!). Weeds are best removed when they are small and easy to eradicate and then the job isn't too arduous.

Q Can aphides damage a rose?

A Aphides have a reputation for sucking sap and severe infestations can be unsightly (unless you like bugs). To get rid of aphides apply a spray of some kind; an insecticide or an all purpose spray which contains a fungicide will do the trick and will also help to control diseases such as black spot and mildew. Some gardeners don't spray at all and get away with it. Small birds can help by feeding on insect pests and ladybirds are to be encouraged as they eat aphis larvae. If left unsprayed many roses are inclined to pick up pathogens and we can't be blamed for what creeps under your neighbour's fence! Watering throughout the summer will keep plants in good order. Healthy plants tend to stay healthy.

Q How will I learn to prune?

A The Royal National Rose Society, St Albans, UK have recently conducted a series of pruning trials using hedge trimmers. They have come to the conclusion that pruning by mechanical means will produce a better, leafier plant and a greater abundance of flowers. For those who wish to show roses it might pay to prune more carefully. Join a rose society they will instruct you.

If you have a specific question, not covered above, email Nigel.