There are times in life when it is just better to ask an expert. Years ago, when I was new at the nursery, I would quiz my friend and fellow employee Sooz Ellis endlessly about all things garden. She patiently shared all the good stuff with a brand-new garden girl. This week I reached out to her to share a little about roses. She is an absolute expert and I’m still enjoying learning from her.
When and where did you plant your first roses? How many roses do you currently have?
I planted my first rose in 1980 in central California. Chrysler Imperial.
I moved to Fallon in 1989 and I now have just under 200. I have planted more and have had some failures and each one taught me a lesson.
What advice would you give to a Rookie Rosarian planting their first rose here in Fallon?
Spring for good garden tools. Good gloves, nippers, loppers, and later on a saw.
Decide what you want in a rose; fragrance, color, height (climber?), and vase life. I go for fragrance and vase life.
Find a spot that has good light for at least six hours a day. One with a little afternoon shade will give you the best results here.
Dig your hole and I would suggest replacing the native soil with a bagged product for best results. (Bare roots will be a little different).
Fertilize and water daily until established. Love them as they will become the Queens of your garden.
If you only could have three roses in your garden which would you have?
I am bowled over by the big bad fragrant reds. So I will choose Mister Lincoln for two. It can take the heat, has a very robust growth every year, and lasts maybe 10 days as a cut flower.
The third would be white iceberg. It will also take the heat and lasts well in a vase.
Roses in containers? Yay or nay?
Yes! You can bring in color to your yard in a container. Using a good bagged soil product; the container needs to be at least 20 gallons. Whiskey barrels are lovely planted with roses. Use the 6-hour rule and utilize the afternoon shade for best results. Fertilize no less than once a month.
Can you describe an ideal garden spot for a rose?
Six hours of sunlight during the day and morning light is really the best. Keep them away from where they don’t need to compete with other root systems. Afternoon shade is a blessing but not 100% necessary.
Can you talk about pruning? How and when?
Do not be nervous about pruning. It is brutal. With every cut, remember that it will make them stronger, bigger, thicker and your blossoms will be larger.
The ideal time for pruning here in Fallon is around the second week in April.
1. Cut off any dead or down wood.
2. Cut off any canes smaller than a pencil.
3. Cut out center canes for good air flow leaving 3-4 strong canes. Cut those to about 2 ft.
4. Fertilize and water. Morning watering will be your best bet.
How and how often do you fertilize your roses?
Fertilize once a month and stop in August. Use a balanced food for flowering plants to promote beautiful blossoms all summer.
What are the greatest challenges with growing roses here in the high desert?
My greatest challenge has been learning which roses met my criteria for what I wanted. Also, what rose will fit that criterion and tolerate our Lahontan Valley winters. Learn each one. They are all different and they will respond with one of life’s great pleasures.
Bare roots? Worth planting?
Bare roots are well worth planting when you order it from a reputable grower. Follow the directions from the grower for best results. Bare roots purchased from a box store may require more attention and may cost you more in the long run.
Anything you might want to add?
Here is a quick timeline for your rose garden.
March-start pulling back your winter protection mulch and water more often.
April-prune second week. Fertilize.
May-check for pests and treat. Fertilize.
June & July-fertilize, water and enjoy!
August-last week, stop cutting your flowers and let them start to prepare for winter. Stop fertilizing
September-keep watering and get ready to mulch for winter protection.
After the first frost, mulch them for winter. Their roots are going to sleep. All of this needs to be done by thanksgiving.
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