How to look after your rose

At Harkness Roses, we want your roses to thrive and bring beauty to your garden year after year. With the right care and attention, your rose will reward you with healthy growth and abundant blooms. Follow our simple guide below to keep your rose in top condition.

1. Watering

• Roses love water, especially during the growing season.
• Newly planted roses: Water well at planting, then keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) for the first few weeks.
• Established roses: Water deeply once or twice a week during dry spells, ensuring the roots receive enough moisture.

Tip: Always water at the base of the plant — wet leaves can encourage disease.

2. Feeding

• Roses are hungry plants and benefit from regular feeding.
• Apply a specialist rose fertiliser in spring when new growth begins.
• Feed again after the first flush of flowers to encourage repeat blooming.
• Avoid feeding late in the season, as it can promote soft growth prone to frost damage.

3. Pruning

• Pruning encourages healthy growth and helps your rose produce strong blooms.
• Prune annually in late winter or early spring, removing any dead, diseased, or crossing stems.
• Cut just above an outward-facing bud to shape the plant and improve airflow.

For detailed guidance, see our article: How to Prune Your Rose

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4. Mulching

• Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch (such as compost or well-rotted manure) around the base of the plant in spring.
• Keep mulch a few centimetres away from the main stem to prevent rot.

5. Pest and Disease Control

• Regularly inspect your roses for common problems such as aphids, black spot, or powdery mildew.
• Remove affected leaves and treat with an appropriate rose-friendly product if necessary.
• Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.

Read more in our article: Rose Diseases

6. Deadheading

• Remove faded blooms throughout the season to encourage new flowers.
• Cut just above a set of healthy leaves or an outward-facing bud.
• Stop deadheading in early autumn to allow hips to form and the plant to prepare for winter.

7. Winter Care

• In colder months, apply a layer of mulch or compost around the base for protection.
• Potted roses can be moved to a more sheltered location.
• Check ties and supports to ensure the plant is secure in strong winds.

By following these simple steps, your rose will stay healthy, strong, and full of colour.

If you ever need help identifying a problem or want tailored care advice, our team is always happy to assist!