A Rose Primer
	To begin, the Arlington Rose Foundation believes there are no secret formulas or exotic methods needed to grow beautiful roses in the Washington, DC area. However, it is highly recommended that you purchase first quality (#1 grade) bushes from reputable nurseries. There are five general types of roses for the home garden. Hybrid Teas which are like cut roses you buy from the florist, they tend to grow upright and usually have one bloom per stem; Floribundas which have flowers that grow in clusters on lower growing, mound shaped bushes; Grandifloras which combine the characters of Hybrid Teas and Floribundas; climbing varieties; and Miniatures which are perfect dwarf bushes that produce tiny roses in great numbers. Roses will benefit from a few simple practices--proper planting, pruning, and control of certain pests such as Blackspot, mildew, and spider mites.
	Planting It is best to prepare your beds or planting holes in advance using the following formula for each rose planting site: approximately 1/3 sphagnum peat moss, 1/3 original soil, and the following: a 3 pound coffee can of finely shredded pine bark, a 3 pound can of perlite, 1 cup of green sand (potash), 1 cup of limestone, 1 cup of rock phosphate or triple super phosphate, and several cups of garden gypsum which helps to break up heavy clay soils. It is also helpful to add about 20 pounds (1/2 bag) of composted cow manure which will improve the tilth of the soil. Rose bushes are usually sold either bare root or potted. When planting new bare root bushes, start off by soaking them in a clean trash can mixed with some sphagnum peat moss and a light solution of soluble fertilizer. This is done at least for several hours but preferably over night. Next, take one bush at a time, keeping the roots wrapped in a wet newspaper, to a previously prepared rose bed or planting hole. Place the roots of the rose bushes over a cone of soil in the bottom of the hole. Plant with the bud union ( or graft) at or slightly below ground level. The bud union is easily recognizable. It appears as a bump or swollen place from which the new rose plant is growing. Backfill with prepared soil and water generously to settle the soil around the roots. Shade newly planted roses with a cardboard box, basket, or large plastic planting pot (with drain holes) for about 2 weeks to help them become established. Water newly planted bushes regularly. Potted roses are planted as described above with the exception of prior soaking and placement on a soil mound (necessary to support the bare root plants.) Also, be careful that the roots are not separated from soil when removing the plant from its pot. It is recommended that the pot be cut away if possible. After the first blooming cycle (mid-June), apply a water soluble fertilizer such as MiracleGro (1 tablespoon/gallon of water) or a balanced granular agricultural fertilizer (10-10-10) at the rate of 1/2 to 1 cup depending on the size of the bush. The granular goes around the drip line of each bush and is scratched in lightly. Another feeding about mid-August will do it for the year. Remember to water deeply before and after feeding with granular fertilizer for best results.
	Pruning Pruning is a necessary part of rose culture. Wear leather gloves. Use sharp, clean pruning shears preferably the scissors type. Pruning should begin when new growth sprouts from the previous year's canes. First remove all dead and diseased canes. Next, prune unwanted growth, especially twiggy growth, to improve and rejuvenate the plant. Pruning cuts are made about 1/4 inch above a live bud eye (the starting point of new flower stems) on a mature cane. If canes are healthy (creamy white pith in center) shorten to about 18 - 24 inches. Floribundas should be lightly pruned if cane is good otherwise canes must be cut back to live wood and a healthy bud eye. Miniature roses benefit from a heavy pruning. All twiggy growth should be removed and pencil sized canes should be cut back to about 6 - 9 inches.
	Spraying A sensible preventive spray program for roses will pay big dividends in terms of bloom production and healthy foliage. A fungicide should be applied every 7 - 10 days in the spring and autumn; about every 14 days in the summer. Funginex will control Blackspot and Powdery Mildew; Fungi-Gard (Daconil 2787) is also excellent for control of fungus disease. An excellent idea is to alternate the two chemicals. Sucking and chewing insects can be controlled with Orthene, an excellent all purpose insecticide. Mites are controlled by washing foliage periodically or through the use of a miticide such as Avid or Vendex. Remember, do not spray in the heat of the day; always water deeply the day before spraying any chemical on your roses; and always dilute chemicals according to label instructions (more is not better.) Growing roses takes a little effort, but no other flower pays you back with such incredible beauty. Source: Brochure, A Rose Primer, prepared by the Arlington Rose Foundation Education Committee.
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