Carolina rose

Carolina rose should be watered deeply once a week during active growth periods. Water it at the base of the plant using a garden hose or a watering can. The soil should be damp, but not soaked. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between watering. During the dry periods of summer, you may need to water your Carolina rose more often. During times of drought, make sure to supplement rainfall with additional watering.

Carolina rose (Rosa carolina) plants require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day in order to thrive. It is best to ensure that the rose bush receives the sun exposure during the mid-morning and mid-afternoon when the sun’s rays are strongest. During the hottest part of the day, the rose may be vulnerable to sunscald and scorching. If possible, provide some shade during these times to protect the roses from heat stress.

Carolina rose should be pruned starting in the winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should be done to remove dead or damaged stems and to maintain an appealing shape. The best time to prune Carolina rose is when it is in a dormant state. This would be late winter, when temperatures are below freezing and the plant is not actively growing. Prune back the plant to its desired size and shape, being mindful to not take away too much of the canopy. This will help to promote new growth and flower production in the spring. Prune to about half of the plant's current size back to a lateral or non-flowering shoot. The resulting leaves will provide the plant with ample energy reserves for the following season.