shrub rose

Watering shrub roses requires attention throughout the growing season. During the spring and summer months, they require 1-2 inches of water per week. Water weekly, preferably in the morning or early evening to reduce potential for leaf scorch due to hot midday sun. If the weather is exceptionally dry, water up to 3 times a week. During the winter months, water once every 2 to 3 weeks. Shrub roses should be only watered when the soil is starting to dry out; overwatering can lead to disease issues.

Shrub roses need direct sunlight in order for them to flower and grow their best. In general, they require at least 6 hours of bright sunlight each day. During the summer months, when the days are longer, you should provide them with 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight to help them bloom. If the rose is in a pot, it will need to be moved to a sunny outdoor location as the light intensity will be greater outdoors. Once the weather starts to cool off in the fall, you can move your rose bush back to a lightly shaded area in the garden. During the winter, shrub roses should receive about 2 to 4 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Shrub roses should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged stems. It’s best to prune them back to just above an outward-facing bud. You can also prune out some of the oldest, woodiest stems that are becoming overcrowded, removing them back to the base. If the plant is getting too tall, you can selectively prune your shrub rose by reducing the height of the tallest branches. Pruning should be done lightly, leaving plenty of foliage. Unnecessary or excessive pruning should be avoided as it can weaken the plant’s overall health.