Keep Your Rose Plants Healthy: Must-Do Care Tips for February & March!

Hey Rose Lovers!

If you have beautiful rose plants in your garden, especially English roses, now is the perfect time to give them the love and care they need to thrive through the upcoming summer. Roses are classic, and elegant, and can be the highlight of any garden, but they do need a little extra attention to keep blooming beautifully. Whether you're growing them in pots on your balcony or in your backyard garden, a few simple steps can make a world of difference. With the right pruning, care, and attention, your rose plant will reward you with vibrant blooms and fresh growth all season long. Ready to help your roses flourish and stay healthy? Let’s dig into some essential rose care tips that you should follow this February and March!

Deadheading: Snip for Fresh Blooms!

Whenever a flower on your rose plant wilts or dries, make sure to cut it off. The right way to do this? Cut the stem just two leaves below the spent flower. This encourages new shoots to sprout from the node, keeping your plant fresh, healthy, and full of energy. More pruning means more flowers — it’s that simple!

The Grafted Area: Handle With Care

Did you know most English rose plants are created through grafting? It’s a process where two different plants are connected to grow as one strong plant. You’ll spot the grafted part as a slightly swollen, scarred area near the base of the plant. Be very careful about this part — it’s the powerhouse of your rose!

Watch Out for Suckers (Unwanted Growth)

Below the grafted area or from the soil, you might notice new growth popping out — these are called "suckers." They come from the wild rootstock and, if left unchecked, will sap all the energy from your rose plant. The result? A weak plant with fewer flowers. So, if you see any growth below the graft line or from the soil that looks different from the rest of the plant, remove it immediately.

How to Identify a Sucker?

Sucker leaves are usually larger, thinner, and lighter green compared to your main rose leaves. They also grow more aggressively and can quickly take over if not removed. Compare the leaves — if they look odd or out of place, you’ve found a sucker! Pull it out from as close to the base as possible.

A Little Extra Tip!

While you’re pruning and cleaning up, also give your rose plants a good feed with organic compost or a well-balanced, nutrient-rich pot mix that supports plant growth efficiently. Follow it up with thorough watering — and if you can, also give a natural growth booster to the rose plants to encourage vibrant blooms and lush foliage. Roses are heavy feeders, and that little bit of extra care can really make them thrive!

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Healthy Roses, Happy You!

Caring for your rose plants in February and March is easy and incredibly rewarding. Deadhead spent blooms, protect the grafted area, remove suckers, and feed your plants well. Do this, and your roses will stay strong, healthy, and covered in beautiful blooms all summer long. So, grab your gardening tools, show your roses some love, and enjoy your blooming paradise! 

Happy gardening!