Soil amendments for Louis Philippi rose bush

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Sun, Oct 20, 13 at 8:46

Just purchased a Louis Philippi rose bush and would appreciate advise on any soil amendments before I plant it. Live in central Florida and sandy conditions. Thanks for any suggestions,

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RE: Soil amendments for Louis Philippi rose bush

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Posted by michaelg 7a NC Mts (My Page) on
Sun, Oct 20, 13 at 11:21

That rose is really well adapted to Florida and won't need a lot of pampering.

The best thing for sandy soil is clay, and you can add it easily in the form of plain cat litter, 10-15% by volume. I would dig in 1-1/2" of cat litter and 2" of manure to a depth of 12". Use some yard compost too if you have it. Prepare an area 4' wide.

It would be a good idea to get a soil test to see if you need to adjust the pH with dolomite lime or add phosphate. Otherwise, nutrients can be effectively added from the surface in the future.

RE: Soil amendments for Louis Philippi rose bush

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Posted by Shari1015 9 (My Page) on
Sun, Oct 20, 13 at 23:22

Thanks Michaelg for your quick response to my request. That sounds easy enough. If I could ask you another question...you mentioned having the soil tested. Would you happen to know what ph level the LP roses require?

RE: Soil amendments for Louis Philippi rose bush

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Posted by floridarosez9 10 (My Page) on
Mon, Oct 21, 13 at 12:08

My LPs are growing in soil amended as Michael suggested. However, I have seen it growing in pure sand and also mucky soil. They all were thriving. My PH is in the 7's. He doesn't appear picky. The mother plant to mine was in full shade competing with two huge oaks. Its blooms were a dark blood red. My LPs are in full blazing sun all day, and their color is a silvery dark pink. In winter they are a little darker but still not as dark as the parent plant.

RE: Soil amendments for Louis Philippi rose bush

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Posted by michaelg 7a NC Mts (My Page) on
Mon, Oct 21, 13 at 13:31

The ideal pH for roses generally is 6 to 6.5. Some roses have trouble getting enough iron when the pH is above 7, maybe not LP.

I believe the Florida ag extension offers cheap soil tests through you county agent.

RE: Soil amendments for Louis Philippi rose bush

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Posted by anntn6b z6b TN (My Page) on
Mon, Oct 21, 13 at 13:32

From a situation very unlike Florida, I have seen best growth on my China roses in well draining soil that gets hot and dry. Mine are mostly in clay.

I've seen them hanging on in cemeteries where they get no care and most rainfall just runs off.

Your results may vary, but I think it may be possible to overwater them.

RE: Soil amendments for Louis Philippi rose bush

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Posted by Shari1015 9 (My Page) on
Tue, Oct 22, 13 at 0:11

Thanks to all for your help. I am taking Michaelg's suggestions and planting my LP this weekend. Also will have soil tested. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge

RE: Soil amendments for Louis Philippi rose bush

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Posted by malcolm_manners 9b C. Fla. (My Page) on
Tue, Oct 22, 13 at 17:33

Nothing wrong with any of the advice above, but we plant our roses a bit differently -- we don't use any clay (our soil has a bit of clay in it, but is mostly sand). Rather, we use a large amount of compost or other organic matter (composted cow manure, peat, etc). We do adjust the pH as needed with dolomite. I try for a planting hole about 22" wide by perhaps 18" deep, but am not too careful or picky about that. Then I fill it with about 3/4 compost and 1/4 native sandy soil, mixed. That's for all our roses, including Louis Philippe.

RE: Soil amendments for Louis Philippi rose bush

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Posted by Shari1015 9 (My Page) on
Tue, Oct 22, 13 at 23:37

Thank you Malcolm for your input. Sounds like we have similar conditions. What do you fertilize them with and how often?

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