Frequently Asked Questions

Choose a Category

Should I coat the ends of cut off canes with a cane sealer or tree wound dressing?

This is not necessary but it could help prevent the entrance of stem borers in the rose canes.

Is an exposed, wind swept location a detriment to growing roses?

Yes, a wind swept location is usually a dry one in summer and a cold exposed one in winter. Some shelter is desirable provided it does not also carry with it too much shade or root competition from other plants.

Must I use hedge type roses only to create a hedge?

No. Hedge type roses may be used in most all locations and most all types of roses may be used to create hedges. The only limiting factors are what you desire from the rose, the location in which you plant it and the care it receives.

Are climbing roses restricted to use on fences, trellises and arbors?

No. Climbing roses may be used to cover many things such as walls, buildings, tree stumps, and steep slopes for ground cover. They may be trained to a post to create a pylon effect and some of the less vigorous varieties may be pruned to form a pillar or large shrub effect.

Must roses be planted in beds by themselves as in a rose garden?

No. Roses may be used extensively in landscaping to produce a very colorful and interesting effect.

Must roses have good soil drainage?

Yes. Most soils will drain well enough for good growing conditions. It is only in the very heavy tight clay soils through which water cannot drain away, that drainage for your roses is needed.

How much sun do my roses need to grow?

Roses need at least 5 to 6 hours of sun each day to grow, but they prefer all day sun.

Will roses grow in shade?

Roses will not grow in full shade, but some roses may grow in partial or long shade. Roses will grow if they receive at least 5 to 6 hours sun each day -- of course, all day sun is preferred. If it is a choice between all morning sun or all afternoon sun, then morning sun is preferred.