Some gardeners claim that it is impossible to water the roses too much. While technically not true, roses are certainly plants that don't appreciate dry periods at all. Keep reading this article to make sure your roses are always getting the correct dose of water.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Trying to Understand the Needs of the Roses
Step 1. Identify the type of soil you have in the garden
The type of soil and its draining ability will determine how often you need to water your roses. Sandy soils will drain all water quickly, so they won't hold it very well. If your garden has clay soil, it will retain moisture much better. However, if it is too rich in clay, you will need to add compost or fertilizer to improve its properties when it is time to plant.
Step 2. Take into account the climatic situation of the whole year
Plants obviously need water during hot, dry summers. But you have to keep in mind that the wind also tends to dry out the plants a lot, especially during cold winters. Recently planted roses are likely to dry out even during dry and windy winters or autumns.
- As a rough guide, during extremely hot summers you should consider that roses need to be watered daily. During normal, fairly hot summers, you should water them once every 2-3 days; in the case of mild and dry weather, you should only do this about once a week.
- To decide how much to water your plants, also consider the presence or absence of wind: in a windy climate you will need to water them more often.
Step 3. Consider the age of your roses
Recently planted roses have not yet developed roots, so if yours were planted a few months ago, it is even more important to water them regularly during dry spells, even if you planted them just before winter. Water scarcity is the main reason why newly planted roses die quickly.
Once rooted, the plants will be able to search for water in a larger area of land, so you can begin to thin out watering more after 6 months
Step 4. Pay attention to the size of your rose bush
Wider bushes will have roots that extend over a larger area than smaller bushes. This means that larger bushes will need more water for all the roots to be reached.
Step 5. Determine how dry the soil is
Another way to tell if roses need to be watered is to dig a 5-10cm deep hole in the soil adjacent to the plant, being careful not to damage the roots. If the soil is dry even below the surface, you will need to water right away. If, on the other hand, only the surface is dry, you can wait a little longer to water.
Part 2 of 2: Watering with the Right Technique
Step 1. Give the rose bushes plenty of water, but watering should be infrequent
It is better to use a lot of water a few times, rather than water often using a little water. For example: it is better to use a full watering can once a week than to use a quarter of it every other day.
- It is easier for the plant to develop its roots if they are looking for water, so it is even better if the soil is not constantly impregnated.
- It is an important consideration, especially for soils rich in clay or other poorly draining materials that favor the accumulation of water.
Step 2. Use the correct watering can
Choose a large watering can and, if possible, one with a shower spout, to prevent the water from running out in a single stream.
- If you used a single jet watering can you could erode the soil around the roots which, when exposed, would be damaged. Roses prefer rainwater, but it's not essential.
- If you are using a garden hose, avoid high-pressure jets, as even then you could displace the soil from the roots, exposing them. Alternatively, you can use an automated irrigation system, but be sure to check it to see if it provides the roses with the right amount of water and if it is working properly.
Step 3. Water the soil to a depth of 45cm
Slowly water the soil at the base of the plant, taking breaks to wait for the water to soak in. The goal is to wet the ground up to about 45 cm deep. After a period of drought the soil may have hardened, so it may take longer for the water to penetrate. Be patient!
Step 4. Water the roses in the morning as soon as you wake up
It would be best to avoid watering the roses during the hottest time of the day. Get in the habit of watering in the morning as soon as you wake up, before the sun is too high.
- This allows the leaves to dry out before the cold evening air hits them. If a rose has wet leaves, mold or blackheads are more likely to form. You won't have this problem if you use a ground level sprinkler system, as the leaves won't get wet that way.
- Even if you have an irrigation system installed, some gardeners recommend watering plants sporadically from above, using a garden hose or watering can, to wipe out any mites before they become a problem.
Step 5. Apply a thick layer of mulch to the soil to preserve the moisture
Applying a thick layer of mulch around the roses will go a long way in keeping the moisture out of the soil, thus reducing the need to water the roses frequently.
- Horse manure is ideal for roses. Apply it after fertilizing them, perhaps in late spring, on dry soil. Spread a layer about 7 to 8 cm high around the roses when the ground is neither cold nor frozen.
- Every year, remove the mulch from the previous year and replace it with a fresh layer. The beginning of the growing season (spring) is the best time to fertilize your roses and replace the mulch state.
Step 6. Water the roses less by incorporating a water-retaining material into the soil
You can reduce the frequency with which you water your roses by adding a water-retaining material to the soil when you plant them. You will find similar substances in garden stores, they are designed to be mixed with soil or fertilizer at the time you need to plant.
In addition to this, be aware that some varieties of roses are more drought tolerant, while still others will tolerate shade better, so consider choosing one of these varieties so that you need to water them less frequently
Step 7. Remember that potted roses require more water
Potted roses tend to dry out a little quicker than those planted in the ground, so they will need to be watered more often. In hot climates, be prepared to water potted roses every day.
- You can reduce the amount of water needed by using mulch. Inorganic mulch, such as pebble or gravel based mulch, can be good for potted plants and is also beautiful to look at.
- You may also want to consider using an automatic irrigation device, such as one designed to release water gradually over time. You can find them at garden stores or build them yourself using a plastic bottle and watching an online tutorial.
Step 8. Water your roses immediately if they start to look saggy
If your roses begin to wilt and become sagging, they probably need to be watered.
- In the long run, the leaves will dry out, the flowers will rarely bloom and the plant may even die.
- Smaller, thinning buds are a sign that the rose is stressed, possibly due to a lack of water.
Step 9. Do not overwater the roses as the roots will rot
Overwatering roses can cause the roots to rot, especially if you have poorly draining soil. Signs to watch out for are yellow leaves, foliage fall, and the death of new shoots.
- Never leave potted roses in water. Avoid placing jars in containers, bowls or plates.
- Too much water would cause the foliage to chlorosis (the color of the leaves would tend to yellow and spots would appear).
