Care of Roses & Perennials
by Rachel Johansen, owner of Rachel’s Gardens

• Dead-head (cut or pinch spent blooms) to promote new growth. Cut dead canes in Spring.

• Fertilize in late April, early June and mid-July with a balanced systemic rose fertilizer (such as Ortho or Bayer 11-11-11).

• Newly planted perennials need at least one thorough soaking after planting to encourage deep rooting, then continue to water frequently in the first few weeks of planting to prevent excessive drying and wilt, which stops or slows plant development. (Your plants should look healthy and upright!)

• Established plants need about an inch of water per week, applied in ½ inch increments. The key to watering is to water less often, but water deeply. Watering lightly puts moisture into the top few inches of soil, and roots only go where there's water. A shallow root system from light watering stunts growth, lessens bloom, and makes the plant more susceptible to disease.

• Dead-head (cut or pinch spent blooms) to prolong bloom time. (Or plants will redirect their energy to the production of seed.)

• Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer (such as Osmocote) in late April/early May and again in early July if leaves are pale green and there are no blooms.

• Mulch beds with a hardwood mulch every 2 yrs or with aged shredded leaves every year.

• Perennials will brown after the first frost, and the dead stalks and stems can be trimmed back to within four inches of the ground. If left for a natural look in winter, (some dried flower heads provide seeds throughout the winter for birds), trim in early Spring after new growth emerges.

• A winter mulch of leaves, straw, or pine needles may be applied, but remove in early Spring to prevent rot.

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