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Gardening Tips

In order to be able to prune your roses in the most effective manner, you need a specific set of tools, materials, and to be familiar with a some special techniques. Take a look at the infographic below to find out how to successfully prune your roses.

Planting

Roses love the sun and clear open spaces, place them in a suitable area. Avoid planting them near big trees, shaded areas, too dry or marshy places.

Planting Period

Planting takes place from mid-October to April, except during periods of frost or snow.
Planting in pots, planters, bowls, etc .., is recommended in the spring.
For late planting from May to September most of our varieties are grown in containers (plastic pots terracotta color) and sold while in bloom.

Soil preparation

Good plowing 40 to 50 cm deep is required.
Fresh manure, compost or dry manure is recommended. Mix it into the soil while avoiding direct contact with the roots.
We do not recommend chemical fertilisers when planting.

Important

If planting new roses in an area that previously had roses, you must change the soil to a depth of 40 to 50 cm.

Planting

If planting new roses in an area that previously had roses, you must change the soil to a depth of 40 to 50 cm.

Place the rose plant deep into the soil and make sure the base of the branches (grafting point) are 3-4 cm below ground level then cover with fine soil.
Tap the soil with your foot to make sure it is firm and the plant sturdy.
Form a small basin at the foot of each rose bush and add 4 to 5 liters of water.
After the water is absorbed in the soil, cover the base of the plant with a mound of soil as protection against frost and to maintain moisture during Spring.

Planting distances

For a good development of your roses, keep these distances:
Large flowered roses 40 to 50 cm between each
Clustered roses 30 to 40 cm between rows
Climbing roses 150 to 400 cm between each
Tree roses and half-tree roses planted individually or in a flowerbeds, 100 to 300 cm between each plant
Weeping tree roses planted individually or in flowerbeds, 200 to 400 cm between each plant
Shrub Roses 50-80 cm between each and 40 to 60 cm between each row
Ground cover roses 2 to 4 plants per square meter 
Miniature roses 25 cm between each and 25 cm between each row.

Fertiliser and manure

A complete rose fertiliser is recommended every spring after pruning.
A second dose can be done in June-July. During the first year of planting, a single dose in June is advised. All brands of fertiliser have a rose fertiliser. Please follow the dosing guide marked on your fertiliser.
A dose of farm manure, compost, dry manure, etc. is welcome before the cold weather.
In spring, mix it in by simply hoeing. All fertiliser and compost should be followed by a good watering.

Pruning

All roses are pruned in the Spring. Depending on the region: from mid-February to early March for the Lake Geneva region, in mid-April for altitudes of 1,000 to 1,500 meters.
Certain varieties can be pruned in the Fall to avoid damage caused by snow, but it is not mandatory.

Choose the 3-8 most beautiful branches

Large flowered roses and clustered roses at 10 to 15 cm (2 to 3 eyes)
Tree roses and half-tree roses at 5-10 cm (1-2 eyes)
Miniature roses at 2-5 cm (1 to 2 eyes)
Shrub Roses at 40 - 80 cm 
Weeping rose trees and climbing roses : Select 3-10 finest branches or even more if the plant is stronger. Cut to 1 / 4 of their length. Cut all lateral branches between 5 to 10 cm. Remove old, stunted or damaged branches at the base.
Ground cover roses should be pruned the same length as large flowered roses for the first Spring. For the following years, pruning is not necessary.

Winter protection

A strong mound, identical to the one done during planting, is usually sufficient. 
For highly exposed areas, add pine branches, dead leaves or straw over the mound.
For tree roses, half-tree roses and weeping rose trees, protect the start of the branches with insulating and permeable materials (straw, spruce, burlap, etc.). Avoid plastic material.

Spray

Roses planted in the ground

Not too frequent but adequate watering is recommended.
In good weather, 50 to 60 liters of water per square meter every 15 to 20 days are enough. In sheltered places, remember that even winter or rainy weather does not always provide natural watering.

Roses in pots, bowls, trays, etc.

This table gives you an average of watering in hot, sunny weather. Increase or decrease the amount depending on climatic conditions.

Pot volume                  Watering Amount                             Frequency

3-5 liters                          0,5-1 liters                                           daily 
5 10 liters                        1-2 liters                                              1-2 days
10-20 liters                      2-4 liters                                              2-4 days
20-50 liters                     5-10 liters                                            4-6 days
50 plus                           2 liters / 10 liters of compost              weekly

 

Wilted flowers

Wilted flowers should be cut as soon as possible above their first nice leaf. This will promote future flowering.

Treatments

Major rose diseases are: powdery mildew, rust, black spot, mildew. Preventive treatment (with fungal products) every one to three weeks (depending on the variety and situations) are recommended to protect the foliage. Insects such as aphids can be controlled with insecticide as they emerge.
From the start of summer and in hot weather, red spider attacks must be combated with an acaricide. 
Whether fungicide, insecticide or miticide, stores offer a wide range of products.
If possible, treatments should be done in late afternoon. The product should cover all parts of the plant. Never spray more than the recommended dose on the packaging. Store out of the reach of children, locked in a dry area away from the cold. Wherever possible, try to alternate products.

We remain at your disposal for any further information you may require and take this opportunity to thank you for the trust you place in us.