Now is the time when growing roses can be so rewarding. While other flowers have come and gone, you can enjoy the beauty of the rose for months. Better yet, the plant itself continues to grow and prosper into the fall when the color, size and overall quality of the rose can be its most stunning.

But (isn’t there always a catch), you must do some basic things to insure that your roses continue to flourish. Those basics fall under the column of Summer Care! They are really pretty simple. Take good care of them by spraying regularly to prevent disease, watch for spider mites, remove spent blooms and WATER!!

This month instead of being the rambling teacher, I am going to give a "Pop Quiz" on this important topic. This is the honor system so I am trusting you to not look at the answers at the end of the test until you are finished.. Put on your thinking caps and let’s get started.

#1 True False Blackspot can run rampant during summer because of the heat and humidity.

#2 Spray for disease:

A. When disease appears

B. When you have nothing better to do with your time

C. On a weekly basis with rotating sprays

D. Because you like the smell of chemicals

 

#3 Watering should be done:

A. In early morning or evening

B. On a regular basis (at least twice a week during the heat)

C. In a deep and soaking manner

D. All of the above

#4 True False Typical summer rainfall is enough to count as one watering.

#5 True False Spider mites can quickly attack a plant and cause its leaves to drop.

#6 Spider mites can be detected by:

A. Lower leaves losing their color and turning a gray hue.

B. A grainy feel to the underside of the leaves

C. Small webs appearing along the leaves

D. All of the above

#7 True False With early detection and proper treatment mites can be controlled.

#8 Spider mites can be eliminated by:

A. Yelling at them and calling them mean names

B. Hiring neighbor kids to pick them off

C. Spraying with a strong blast of water or use of a miticide such as Avid or Vendex

D. Letting them go away on their own.

#9 True False A combination of granular and liquid fertilizers should be used during the summer months.

#10 True False An occasional gentle watering of the leaves during the heat of the day will hurt the plants.

Well that’s it. That didn’t conjure up horrible memories of school did it? Let’s look at the answers and grade how you did with Summer Basics.

#1 TRUE. Summer heat and humidity are just what blackspot spores need to flourish. Since we can’t change the weather, we start spraying early in the year and spray regularly.

#2 C. Spray weekly and rotate your spray chemicals. For more details refer to May and June issues of The Rose Leaf.

#3 D. All of the above. Remember – WATER, WATER, WATER. (Gee, where have I heard that?)

#4 FALSE. Never count on summer rain to give the water needed by roses. It typically is never enough or deep enough to get to the feeder roots. Therefore keep watering, you will not be disappointed by the results.

#5 TRUE. Spider mites love the heat of summer and quickly multiply while sucking the juice out of rose leaves. They start low and move up the plant.

#6 D. All of the above. The loss of leaf color is an early sign and can be confirmed by checking under the leaves. If you can’t see them, you can feel them. If you see spider webs, you have a serious infestation and should attack with gusto.

#7 TRUE. Watch for the early signs and you can knock them out quickly.

#8 C. Spraying with a strong blast of water to the underside of the leaves is both refreshing and can knock off the mites. To attack a more stubborn case, you will want to use a recommended and approved miticide. In either case, you should repeat the treatment after three days to eliminate the egg hatch. Do not expect them to go away on their own. They will take your beautiful leaves with them.

#9 TRUE. Roses are big feeders so keep fertilizing them during the summer. Remember, to keep pouring the water to them – especially after a granular feeding. With liquid fertilizers water before, not after.

#10 FALSE. One misconception is that any water on the leaves promotes blackspot. If you have a regular spray program you are taking the right steps. During the heat of summer, your roses will love an occasional mid-day overhead watering. You will notice how the foliage responds to the cool shower. I’ve been doing it for a couple of years and am a firm believer.

So how did you do? Probably better than you thought you would. It’s really common sense. Just follow the basics and you will have gorgeous roses to enjoy in the garden, in your home and with your friends.

Have a great summer!