22,795 Garden Web Discussions | Roses
Actually the water-holding granules swell and disappear into the soil when mixed in. You won't even see them once they're in there. The soil will be moist-er than regular potting soil. I don't know that Hyponex has them in their soil, but if someone is reviewing the soil and saying it's a "thick goopy mess" it just made me think maybe they have a soil version like MIracle-Gro's Moisture Control one that does have it. I'm sure some people will find using those crystals work for them, as mad_gallica mentions. I personally don't like using that kind of soil mix. Simple potting soil with a little perlite for drainage works best for my potted roses. I might also mention I used to add an organic compost to my soil mixes; there again a blend made for our regional Ace Hardwares; and I found after a time, it also settled to the bottom of the pots and got all rotten (wet and smelly) when I'd get around to pulling them out to plant in the ground. Some of those roses were in the big plastic pots for 6-8yrs. Now I only add organic compost to the surface of roses in the ground to break up my hard clay soil. But potted ones... not any more!
Hi Jennie-
This link might be helpful for you. Some of the folks who have grown roses from seed may be able to advise you better about whether bleach is necessary, although I believe the instructions at the link below just advise hydrogen peroxide.
As mentioned, roses don't "come true" from seed, so your seedlings may or may not look much like 'Fragrant Plum'. Since you already have the seeds, why not plant them to see what you get? Maybe you'll like it even better- who knows?
Good luck!
Here is a link that might be useful: Link on growing rose seeds
Thank you so much for all of your recommendations. I researched every single one and there are some great choices. Even though these trellises are well anchored, I'm afraid that in years to come, the weight of most any rose is going to present problems. So - I'm headed over to the clematis forum for suggestions. Really appreciate your advice. Thanks!
A rose AND a clematis would look wonderful. All you need do is dig 3 holes, sink 3 landscape timbers in with cement and anchor your trellis to those then paint same color as trellis. Any larger trellis should be anchored thusly. Moderate climbing roses are not like wisteria in that they don't destroy the structures they are on so if your trellis is strongly anchored with posts cemented in the ground, you should have no worry. If canes become larger than you want, prune them. I am in Texas, so cant comment on what would be hardy in your area. A red rose would be striking on that trellis, with a lavender Elsa Spath clematis - there are so many clematis varieties.....a large white Candida would look great with a red rose. Do keep in mind that clematis, depending on what variety you choose, will only bloom certain times of the year - a rose will bloom in flushes. Depending on how far your home is from the trellis, you will need something eyecatching - small clematis blooms might not be seen well. With a rose and a clematis, you could double your bloom times. Lovely border.......a large spot of color would really make it pop.
Judith
So sorry about that sub. But if they are own root, they may come back. We also had a hard frost last night. I brought in what I could, and tried to cover the ones that has very tender new growth with leaves and mondo grass clippings I had. I checked a few this morning and they looked ok. But I'm with you, this winter has to END now!
The odd flower either didn't receive exactly the same levels of the necessary nutrients as the darker one, and/or the temperatures were sufficiently different when they were formed to cause the difference. Grow more roses a while longer, you'll see it happen every once in a while. Nothing to worry about, unless the whole bush starts doing it all the time. Then, something is amiss! The odd stem or flower here and there are nothing to worry about. Kim
It's a bit early but it's done. I'm just north of Detroit and I won't prune for a while yet. I usually wait until the forsythias bloom. The problem with pruning so early is that we are still going to get some really cold weather and heavy frosts and freezes. Unless they're well mulched you could still lose more cane to that and end up with nothing left. Pruning also encourages them to grow and they may try to put out a lot of new growth that won't survive any freezes. this just uses up the plants energy for when the weather really does break. The roses can only do that so many times before they end up dying.
I just lost my snow cover last week and the ground is definitely still frozen. I would wait to fertilize them though. They're not growing yet and can't take it up anyway so it will probably just wash away before the rose can get any of it.
Don't worry about them coming back. They'll be fine. They may even come back better than ever. As long as there was still some green cane left on them above the graft they'll grow once things warm up enough.
This just shows how much you can research but really it all comes down to just "go for it and see what happens." vampy, I'm still trying to figure out where I'm going to put mine, too. Sounds like she may get much bigger than I expected. I'm still excited- those gardenia-looking blooms are beautiful in photos. The coral red centers are really interesting.
You really have a lovely house, and your yard looks great in the summer. My suggestion is to replace those evergreens (yews?) With conifers that make more of a statement. Perhaps a weeping variety or something tall and narrow (junipers) or something similar to flank the front door. Check out the conifer forum for more ideas.
I love hydrangeas and agree that a hydrangea tree would work well to the left of your window. I also think a garden in front of your large tree would jazz up your yard. Hydrangeas would be perfect there with ferns and hostas if they work in your zone.
I know you are looking for something between spring and fall but since you don't like your flower bed during the winter have you considered planting a Harry Lauder's Walking Stick? They do get good sized so plan on that when you plant. They are neat all year long. Maybe plant it out in the yard all by itself.
I agree with Seil. Leave every leaf that plant grows alone until it shows you it's finished with it. Every leaf produces food it needs to do what you want it to do. All the remaining growth contains stored nutrients from last year. Any you remove, removes its share of food reserve. If the plant was large and well established, that wouldn't make a lot of difference. At this stage, it can make a great deal of difference. Kim
Sara-Ann,
I will be posting photos as soon as my first flush happens. Last year at this time, I had only one bed of 6 plants and don't remember the incredible number of buds. I had some flowers of course, but not that many. I think I have learned a lot from my rosy buddies here on the forum, and that's why my roses are so healthy and happy now.
My beautiful babies send you all a wish for a very wonderful spring.
andreark
Yes, manure, especially if it is not fully composted, can be a problem if dogs roam around in the garden. Many dogs find it irresistible.
Nik
I add some composted manure (Black Kow) around my roses throughout the season and I think it's made a huge difference in their overall health and vigor.