Caring for Roses
A Rose by any other name…
Can grow in your garden!
Roses are notorious for being challenging in Florida. But armed with the right knowledge and materials, you can grow beautiful roses.
(Click to open a printable PDF version of the information below.)
- Only plant roses that are grafted on Fortuniana rootstock. All of Kerby’s Hybrid Teas, Grandifloras, Floribundas, and Climbers are always on this long-living, tough rootstock.
- Plant roses in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
- Leave enough space between roses for them to grow and for walking between roses to pick flowers or to spray. Typically space plants 3 to 4 feet from one another.
- Plan to spray roses. In Florida, roses need to be sprayed weekly or every other week to prevent black spot fungus and insect issues. Preventative sprays are much more effective and keep roses looking beautiful.
- Prune roses severely in the winter, lightly throughout the rest of the year. Deadheading roses on a regular basis encourages more blooming.
Materials Needed
- Rose bushes (start with what you have room and time for).
- 1 Bag of Black Gold® Ultra Outdoor Planting Mix per 2 rose bushes
- 1 Bag Bio-tone®Starter Plus
- 1 Bag Rose-tone® or The Kerby’s Special
- Liquid Systemic Fungicide
- Systemic Insect Control or 2-N-1 Systemic Drench
- Pump Sprayer
- Sharp Clippers
- Gloves
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, but no deeper. Plant rose bushes at the same depth as they were growing in the nursery container. Backfill the hole with a combination of Black Gold Ultra Outdoor Planting Mix and native soil, as well as the appropriate amount of Bio-tone, and water in well. Fertilize with Rose-tone or The Kerby’s Special one month after planting. Begin spraying with the Liquid Systemic Fungicide and Systemic Insect Control (they can be combined in the pump sprayer) after the roses have been planted for two weeks.
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