Flower Carpet Groundcover Roses - Available now in various colors, these well publicized roses do require additional care in our warm humid climate.
1 gallon #118827 $16.95

INSTRUCTIONS DESIGNED FOR MILD CLIMATES:

This bare root planting method was developed for the Gulf Coast of Texas. Consult with local nurserymen for best care methods in your area. In particular more winter care may be necessary in areas where freezing temperatures extend beyond 48 hours.

Preparation:

Our native gumbo soil made friable with the addition of sandy loam topsoil and plenty of organic matter such as Teas Rose Bed Mix, Teas Mulch, compost, or animal manure is ideal. To prepare the rose bed, remove all grass and weeds, spade the gumbo (or “native soil”) to about eight inches deep, adding enough organic material, gypsum, sulfur, cottonseed meal, and loamy topsoil to raise the bed level at least four to eight inches above the lawn level. (40% humus and 60% loam). Teas Rose Bed Mix is an excellent and economical alternative to mixing your own rose soil. It is necessary to spade this mixture so that the topsoil and humus are mixed with the native loosened soil. It is desirable to make the bed not more than five of six feet wide for ease of weeding and caring for the roses. Never dig out gumbo soil and replace with brick, concrete or other rubble, as this will only make a water basin under the plants to rot the roots during wet weather. Even “good” soil should not be placed below the clay level for the same reason, instead the bed should be raised above the soil line.

Roses purchased early in the season or that arrive from late shipments often are not well rooted in the pot. The following set of instructions applies mainly to this early bare root planting only. If your rose is well rooted in the pot the planting hole should be flat bottomed and the roots disturbed as little as possible. Just plant these established plants in a raised bed with plenty of organic matter incorporated in the soil, such as Teas CN20 Compost. Use root stimulator and refrain from feeding the newly planted rose for 2 months.

1. Dig a shallow doughnut-shaped hole the diameter of the root spread, leaving the center of the "doughnut" intact.
2. Shape the soil in the center to fit the crown. Leave the top only high enough so that the rose will "sit" with the uppermost roots below ground level.
3. Locate: Roses should be planted in a location well above ground level where the excess soil has settled and will not sink. Excess water will drain away if planted in this manner.
4. Broken roots should be cut off cleanly and tip of ALL roots freshly cut at time of planting. Place all roots in their natural position, even if a trench or tunnel must be dug for extra-long ones. Bare rooted roses will do better if soaked in water at least overnight. They should be left no longer than 48 hours. Those with sprouts need not be soaked nor have the soil ball removed.
5. This is the bud union from which comes all canes that will produce flowers. Plant this carefully so that it will be high and exposed to the sunlight, and away from ground bugs and fungus. Take extreme care of this bud union at all times. (This is where your rose was grafted onto hardy rootstock.)
6. Mulch: Roses planted in January and February need to be covered with Teas Mulch to prevent the area from drying out. This should wash away by the time it gets warm. Those planted later will not need this protection.
7. Prune: Cleanly remove all broken and scarred canes, the wire tag (IMPORTANT), all twiggy canes and crossing branches. Cut 1/4-inch above an outside bud or leaf scar. Make the cut on the slant that will allow water to drain off quickly. Make a slanted cut with the high part of the slant directly above the bud, and the lowest part higher than the bud also.

Nutrition:

Roses bloom on new growth, and are heavy feeders. The easiest and best way to fertilize is to use prepackaged rose foods, such as Teas Rose Food. Use monthly from March through September, following the directions on the bag or box. Always water plants thoroughly an hour or two before feeding or spraying! (If in doubt, remember it is always best to give too little than too much fertilizer!)

It is also necessary to add trace elements in the form of Ferti-lome Liquid Iron annually. Epsom Salts (Magnesium sulphate) may be added at any time to encourage the availability of plant nutrients. It will not burn or hurt the plant. Use 1 tablespoon in a gallon of water around each plant every 3 or 4 months. SUPERthrive is a great addition to your rose care regimen, and should improve the quality of your roses during our long, hot summers.

For a helpful supplement try this:
Rich’s Rose Soup Recipe
1 tbl. Ammonium Sulphate for growth & greening
1 tbl. Fertilome Liquid Iron prevents chlorosis
1 tbl. Magnesium Sulphate makes iron available
10 drops SuperTHRIVE for stress

Mix in 1 gallon water. Apply in morning hours. Foliar feed your roses weekly as needed!