How Nature and Humans Care for Roses

Roses are a staple item in most, if not all, flower shops. However, before they are sold or used for decoration or as a symbol of affection, they serve as a source of pride and a reward for their owners. Certainly, these blooms celebrate the partnership of nature and human care.

How are gardeners and flower farmers able to produce such beautiful flowers?

Nature’s Touch

The sun’s energy, the cool air, and the fertile land all collaborate in creating a climate conducive to rose plants. Water, of course, also helps in growing healthy rose plants. However, these resources are subject to change from season to season, and from one continent to another.

Prior to the advent of greenhouse technology that has made rose breeding viable across the globe, these flowers were more inclined to grow best in temperate, if not cold, countries rather than in hot areas. It is not unusual to see roses in many residential gardens and in landscapes across North America, Europe, and Australia. In tropical countries in Asia and Latin America, rose plants could be found in spots with significant humidity.

Ideally, roses should bathe in sunlight for an average of six hours everyday. Otherwise, an area with morning sun and afternoon shade would be best. The morning sun dries the leaves faster and shield the plant from possible disease(s), while the afternoon shade adds to the flower’s quality. A good breeze or ventilation also benefits roses.

Rose plants thrive in well-drained soil. If a good drainage is not feasible, soil amendments are employed and/or rose beds are built. Such preparation affects soil quality and plant nourishment. Experts recommend that a soil sample be brought to a gardening store or that a grower should purchase a pH (potential of hydrogen) testing kit from a hardware or gardening shop to determine soil quality. They advise that roses be grown in areas with 6.0-7.0 pH so that they can easily access the nutrients they need, such as nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, and magnesium.

Human Care

People, particularly those with green thumb, help produce healthy flowers. Deciding which ones to sow involves several factors to consider. These include the (1) selection process, particularly which variety or types suit a particular garden or rose bed size, and (2) planting conditions, such as the different diseases and pests that could affect the growth and quality of the roses. An effective blueprint for disease control in roses includes selecting a good variety and planting site, good soil, adequate drainage, right spacing, and proper maintenance.

Current and prospective growers should be aware that these plants can either be bare-root or with containerized roots. Roses can also be own-root or grafted and have various grades, specifically:

• Grade 1 – These roses have more expansive root base and need less attention.

• Grade 1 ½ - These roses have less roots and require more care than Grade 1 roses.

• Grade 2 – These roses are the cheapest, need the most babying, and prone to disease.

Moreover, knowing the place of origin of a rose plant is necessary. Flowers like Old European Roses will certainly find it difficult to grow in tropical landscapes. Not a few plant breeders have observed that no amount of water or adjustments of growing conditions could save rose varieties that are not conducive to the replanting site.

Aside from correctly selecting which rose specimen to cultivate, spacing of these plants is essential. It facilitates good air circulation and deters infestation of rose plants. The recommended distance is 24 inches. However, some varieties like miniature roses are okay with little spaces in between.