Rose Gardening Community

Hi,

I received 13 rose plants today and they are well established.  I dug them out carefully and transplanted them today in my yards.  It is March 11Th in Southern Idaho.  Should I wait until late April when I know that the chance of freezing is over before I prune?  How far do I prune the canes down?  Is there anything that I should place on the soil to help it out?  I wet them down after placing them in, but our irrigation will not be turned on till early May, should I water them by hand and if so how often?  Will my backyard sprinklers be OK, or should I add a drip system to them?

Sorry for all the questions but....

Thank you,

Greg

Yes you can prune them now about 18" above ground if they are hybrid teas and floribundas. The grass looks a little dry, water at least once a week. It is to early to fertilize. Fertilizer will not work untill the roses start growing. A drip system at the roots is good since the leaves do not get wet. This will keep backspot and mildew problems to a minimum.

Happy Gardening

I would cut them back by half and on the ones that have a stock as big as a pencil I would put some elmers glue to seal the cut.  All ways cut just above an outward faceing bud.  start feeding as soom as you see new growth..  I would mulch with about 4 inches around the roses and add orgainic matter under the mulch. 

Good luck,

Rosemary