From the garden
Roses are faithful rebloomers— even in our hot summers. Average July temperatures for West Texas are in the mid-90s and, while roses are heat tolerant, they can still suffer damage without proper maintenance. Here are some care tips to consider during the hot summer months.
Watering. It is tempting to overwater when temperatures soar, but hold off waterings until the bushes need water. A typical rose root system is fibrous, with roots growing to a depth of 12 to 18 inches and extending horizontally several feet.
Check the top few inches of the soil surface before watering. Wait until the surface of the soil is dry, down to about an inch, then water deeply. Watering too frequently fills the air pockets in the soil with water, eliminating air that is needed for the roots. Applying water deeply and infrequently allows for the necessary aeration for surface root development while roots in the deeper soil retains the moisture need for water absorption to maintain the top of the bush.
More water is needed during hotter weather, but do not overwater the bushes as roots will rot when kept too moist. As a general rule, and depending on the soil type, established bushes need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Apply water to the base of the buses and avoid wetting leaves as fungal infestations are exacerbated on wet leaves.
Mulching. Mulching protects root systems from the heat while retaining moisture. Organic materials like shredded bark or pine needles are preferred over gravel or crushed granite. Organic materials will degrade and improve the soil, while gravel absorbs and reflects heat.
Pruning. Deadheading is a “yes.” Removing spent roses encourages reblooming but wait for serious pruning until next spring. Keeping foliage intact shades exposed canes, preventing sunscald.
Fertilizing. Roses at this time of year often begin to show signs of a deficiency in the nutrient iron. The most evident symptom in iron-deficient plants is chlorosis— yellow leaves. Iron-deficient young leaves lose the green pigment and turning leaf blades yellow, sometimes even cream colored while veins remain green. Roses exhibiting this symptom need to be treated with an application of a fertilizer that is high in iron.
Caution is needed, however, because too much iron will burn the leaves. Apply an organic chelated (KEYlated) product that is applied in the soil. Follow label directions.
Ellen Peffley Harp, a retired professor of horticulture at Texas Tech University, writes about gardening for several Texas newspapers.
