June plant of the month….Roses

There is a rose for every garden situation, even indoors. From Hybrid Teas to miniatures, climbers to floribundas, the choice is endless. Virtually all the colours of the rainbow are available in the flowers and some have fascinating fruits (hips) in autumn. Roses are easy to grow; lots of food and drink just like humans and all should be well.

Roses will grow in most soil types providing there is good drainage. They prefer a position that is sunny and not too exposed. If you are replacing old roses with new ones, ensure that the old soil is removed and replaced with fresh soil; this will avoid the soil sickness problem that is associated with roses. Ideally a site that has never grown roses is best. Container grown roses can be planted at any time of the year providing the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. Mulching after planting with well-rotted compost will also be of benefit to the plants.

To get the best from roses they need regular feeding, this will maintain their vigour and improve their resistance against pest and disease. If you do run into problems there are good products available such as ‘Rose Clear’ or ‘Multirose’ that will control most problems without harming beneficial insects such as bees, if used properly. Pruning is also important to remove dead heads and improve flowering over a longer period of time. Pruning is necessary to keep the plants in shape during the dormant months.

Pruning is easy, the rule of thumb being for established bush roses; prune to one third the original size in a frost free period from mid-February to mid-March taking out any weak growth at the same time.

Special offers this month…

J Arthur Bowers 100ltr multi compost £6.99 each or 2 for £12.00

Voilet Farm 33ltr grow bag now £2.99

Trailing ivy leaved Geraniums £2.49 or 3 for £7.00

Fushias; Hardy varieties, locally grown and great quality – £2.99 each or 3 for £8.00

Early season offer…

Delphinium, Foxglove, Hollyhock, Lupin & Poppy £3.99 each or 3 for £10.00