Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'Black Spot'?

Black Spot is a fungus found on the rose leaves. Black Spot will not kill a rose but certainly detracts from its appearance. It is easily treated with a fungicide. Many brands are available on the Nursery shelves and if used as recommended should bring under control, However, a well fed and watered rose with full sun and good air flow is less susceptible to Black Spot and Mildew out outbreaks

What is Mildew? How do you treat it?

Mildew is another form of fungus and requires immediate attention as if left unchecked it may prove fatal to the rose. It forms a white film on the leaves, stems and flower buds that completely covers the surface, in fact it tends to suffocate the rose, Treatment with a recommended fungicide on a regular basis when outbreaks occur will bring it under control. Conditions similar to black spot treatment of adequate food, water, air flow and sun light play a big factor in the prevention of Mildew.

How do I get the best flowering out of my roses?

Roses are best fed in their active growing period, so depending on your region feed in early Spring on first sign of leaf activity. Again in late Spring after the Spring flush of flowers. (A good dead head and feed promotes better quality flowers to follow). Summer prune and feed again in February for a fabulous Autumn flush.

What do I feed my roses?

Roses will definitely perform better if kept well fed and deeply watered. Rose enjoy most forms of organic material provided it has been well composted before application. Well rotted animal manure rejuvenates the soil structure and helps feed the plants. Most commercial slow release fertilizers give excellent results by following recommended rates and should be used in conjunction with compost or manure. A side dressing of Sulphate of Potash when using composted animal manure will promote healthy flower production.

When do you prune roses?

Repeat flowering roses should be pruned from June to August. Spring flowering or once flowering roses should be pruned immediately after the flowering has finished.

How far do you 'Dead Head' roses?

Roses are usually 'Dead Headed' to encourage continuity of flowering and to tidy the plant. Roses flower and then many produce hips (seed capsules) to which the rose energy is channeled to reproduce. If these are not removed flower production may be considerably reduced. However hips do add wonderful ornamental value to the display and can be left in the later part of the flowering season. Usually flower heads are trimmed back to the first 5 leaved leaf axel or first healthy bud below the flower head.

Can any rose be grafted as a Standard Rose or Stem Rose?

Not all varieties of roses are suitable to be used as standards. Many do not have enough vigor or the opposite, are far to tall and lanky to make an attractive specimen. Roses with similar growth habits are recommended when choosing a mixed range for you planting.

Why do some roses 'Ball'?

Balling is not a disease or virus it is merely the effect of the weather conditions on newly opening roses, Roses with large numbers of petals are much slower to open and are often (in Spring particularly) caught with rain, wind and humidity , making the outside petals become damaged and brown. They stick together making a cocoon that the inner petals cannot evolve from. Mildew forms and they rot and fall off. This is called 'Balling'.

What is Understock?

Understock is used by rose growers all over the world. It provides the rose with a non suckering root system that allows the rose to be more garden worthy and manageable. Often it provides its host with vigor and allows the commercial production of roses that are not easily reproduced by cutting.

What is the difference between Understocks?

There are many understockss used by rose growers throughout Australia. Most understocks thrive in Neutral soil, that is with a pH of 6.5 - t. However where extreme soil pH levels are experienced there are selected understocks that are more compatible than others.

Should you plant the graft below or above the soil surface?

It is personal choice really? The root system of the understock is certainly adequate to support the growth of its host. However, in very extreme cold conditions not usually experienced in Australia plants are planted with their graft below the surface so as the grafted plant may self root and re-shoot from the submerged crown if frost bite or freezing occurs. It is not recommended for those roses that have a stoloniferis habit sucker easily. (Gallica's, Rugosa and some Species roses etc.)Some these roses very quickly put out stolen like growth below the surface and pop up to form a thicket that is often not desired in a domestic garden. However by planting these particular roses with their bud union or graft above the surface they make excellent garden specimens.

What is the difference between Modern and Old Fashioned Roses?

Modern Roses are those that have been bred in the last 100-150 years. Old Fashioned or Heritage Roses are those that were bred or found prior to this time. Man has enjoyed the beauty and medicinal qualities of the rose since known recorded time began.