The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 6 Spring 2013 | Page 30

All about roses IN THE ROSE GARDEN with Gil What to do this spring Some common problems With all the nutrients going into new growth, make sure that each bush is getting the required amount of Fruitfert or Picabella Rose Fertiliser. Apply about 30g of Fruitfert or Picabella Rose Fertiliser per square metre and half that for miniatures. With the hot weather on its way, make sure your roses don’t become heat stressed. Start watering more regularly as the temperatures rise and ensure they get a thorough watering at least twice a week in the October heat. As always, don’t let your precious water go to waste and make sure you mulch! When the rains come, don’t forget to water during dry spells. With the rains not far off, start preventative spraying with a fungicide, such as Chlorothonil, against black spot and mildew once a week. Don’t forget to keep a look out for red spider; they are usually found under the leaf, and if you turn the leaf over, they start to move to avoid the sun. Silwet, which is a spreading agent, also helps to keep them under control. For those planning new plantings, some frequently asked questions and answers may help when it comes to choosing a site… “My roses are growing well but they do not produce many flowers”. This is a disorder whereby healthy shoots are produced normally but fail to develop a terminal flower bud. The cause is not known but is consistent with roses growing in shady areas. To ensure prolific flowering, roses should have at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, so choose a nice sunny site. “Is it true that new roses will not thrive when planted into an old rose-bed?” The answer is a definite yes. This is known as ‘replant disorder’ and the exact cause is not fully understood, but seems to be related to a build-up of microscopic soil borne pathogens. To avoid this problem, it is advisable to choose a site where roses have not been grown before. If this is not possible, the old infected soil should be removed and the planting space replaced with new soil. Germiston Gold This brightly coloured yellow rose will add the feeling of spring to any garden and home; it is also great for the vase even though its fragrance is rated as medium. This Hybrid tea rose, with its pointed golden-yellow buds, grows to about waist height and flowers prolifically. It is easily identified by its frilly and indented edges on the petals. This rose is well liked, as it keeps its intense yellow from beginning to end, without much fading. For those of you who love yellow roses – the Germiston Gold is a must! Picabella ROSE Rose Nursery Picabella NURSERY “We specialize in Emerald Seedlings, Pomona, Harare garden roses” Call 0773 208 032 or email [email protected] Visit us at EMERALD SEEDLINGS Calgary Close (off Alpes Road), Pomona, Harare. Contact person: Gil Laver. Cell: 0773 208032 GERMISTON GOLD Email: [email protected] 30