Most roses start strong in the spring and summer, with lots of colourful flowers and lush, leafy growth. A garden filled with vibrant, healthy summer roses is the dream of every gardener. With spring coming up, it is the perfect time to start preparing your rose bushes for two seasons of growth.

The right care can keep your roses healthy and flowering through the heat of summer and into autumn. Gardening expert and the resident botanist of PlantIn app Lotte Berendsen explained: “By providing optimal care, your roses will grow strong and big enough to grow vigorous foliage and flowers. 

“Starting your rose preparations early in the year will ensure your roses bloom abundantly all summer long! The most important preparations include: pruning, feeding and watering.”

1. Pruning

Spring is the perfect time to prune your roses, as temperatures are starting to rise and sunlight becomes more abundant, and the active growing season is starting. 

Lotte said: “This will ensure you’ll see new growth on your rose bushes very soon.”

To prune, start by removing any dead or diseased branches from your plant. Cut the plant until only green, healthy branches remain. Check the insides of the stem, as well. 

Use a pair of sharp secateurs to make a sloping cut just above an outward-facing bud. The slant of the cut should face away so rain does not run into the bud and cause it to rot.

Also, make sure any pruners you use are properly sterilised with alcohol or bleach. 

2. Feeding

After pruning your roses, the next step is fertilising. A slow-release fertiliser is what Lotte prefers, but you can use a liquid feed as well. 

Ensure to check the package instructions to avoid overapplying the product. Compost or organic manure can also be a great option. 

3. Watering

Deep and thorough watering is incredibly important to “encourage and promote flowering” in your roses. 

Without sufficient water, “the plant won’t be able to grow healthy flowers” or foliage, so check the soil regularly and water deeply whenever it feels dry.