Roses are among the loveliest of plants, but to keep them blooming beautifully, you’ve got to water correctly. The real key is remembering that roses need regular, deep waterings followed by enough time for the water to be absorbed and the soil surrounding the roses to become dry. That amounts to applying about an inch of water once a week – or 2-3 gallons per plant at a time.
When properly prepared, your rose bed should absorb all the water as it’s applied. If water begins to run off too soon, move on to water another rose or shrub for a few minutes, then return and complete the previous task. When you finish watering, the soil should be wet deep down – if you’re in doubt, turn the area between plants with a spade a few hours after watering. The soil should be moist at least 6-8 inches beneath the surface.
If it rains, take the extra water into account, noting the difference between a little sprinkle and a ½ inch or more. Delay your next watering accordingly. If the weather is cool, cut back on the frequency of irrigation, but not the amount applied.
Remember to always water roses at their roots – that means no sprinkler action wetting the foliage. Envision an imaginary circle drawn around each plant, as wide as the distance from its stem or trunk to its outermost leaves. This circle – the “drip line” at which water would cascade off the plant’s leaves in a rainstorm – marks the position in the soil of your rose’s fine hair roots. It’s these roots that collect water as it penetrates into the ground. That drip line is the best spot to apply your water. So there’s little reason to wet foliage, canes or bud unions.
Avoid spraying the leaves unless the temperature is warm, air humidity is low and the leaves will completely dry before sundown. Any water left standing on foliage in cool evenings will just encourage the three major fungal diseases:
black spot,
powdery mildew and rust.
Article by
Robert J. Dolezal
