Roses will ‘thrive all summer’ with 5 easy tips including expert’s ‘overlooked’ care hack
A rose expert has shared the surprising household items which can keep the flower "vibrant and beautiful" all summer long.
Rose bushes are a quintessential feature in many people’s gardens, making a striking statement in containers and borders.
Whilst each variety blooms for a different length of time, it can be frustrating when they don’t last as long as you had first hoped.
To help prolong their life, Elise Harlock, brand manager at Prestige Flowers, has shared some effective tips.
1. Pest control
The expert said: “Roses are the stars of the garden, and with a bit of care, they can thrive all summer.
“Roses are susceptible to pests like aphids and spider mites, which can diminish their beauty.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“A quick and easy solution is to mix a few drops of washing up liquid in a spray bottle filled with water.”
Spray this mixture directly onto the affected areas once a week to keep pests at bay.
According to the pro, it is a “gentle yet effective” method which won’t harm the plant.
2. Feeding
The expert explained: “Roses are heavy feeders. They need a consistent supply of nutrients to thrive.
Don't miss...
Gardeners share best methods to ‘kill’ paving moss for 30p without scrubbing [LATEST]
Five houseplants which will ‘thrive’ in your bathroom and keep mould at bay [COMMENT]
Laundry expert’s tips on loading a washing machine for ‘proper clean’ washing [INSIGHT]
“You can also use banana peels. They’re rich in potassium, which supports blooming. Just chop them up and bury them around the base of your rose bushes.”
Watering is equally as important so make sure they receive deep watering once a week, especially during dry periods.
3. Pruning
Elise continued: “Pruning is essential to keep your roses healthy and vigorous.
“Trim back dead or diseased wood and regularly deadhead spent flowers. This encourages new growth and extends the blooming season.
“You can simply snap off dead blooms with your fingers or use a pair of sharp pruners.”
4. Mulching
Mulching helps to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, and newspapers can be used to do this.
Lay a few layers around the roses and then cover them with some mulch like bark or compost.
5. Epsom salt
The gardening pro said: “Epsom salt is a fantastic, often overlooked tool for rose care.
“It produces magnesium, which is essential for photosynthesis and overall plant health.
“Dissolve a tablespoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and spray your roses monthly. This will enhance their colour and vitality.”