The most frequently asked questions about rose care.

General information and the rose calendar

Good to know

A rose does not stand alone, but is part of the life in your garden. Roses need plenty of sun and good soil health is invaluable. 

  • Biodiversity in your garden is important. It contributes to natural protection against diseases.
  • Healthy, strong plants are less susceptible to diseases and insects.
  • Roses like clean beds. Immediately cut away diseased leaves and branches and throw them in the container (instead of on the compost heap).
  • Roses can suffer from a dry spring, but also from wet, cold, damp periods, especially in spring and summer.
  • Just like any other plant, a rose sometimes needs time to take root. Therefore, be patient. As a rule, it takes two to three years before you have a beautiful adult shrub.

Top 10 most common mistakes when planting and caring for roses

These are often the same reasons why a rose does not meet expectations. We have listed the top 10 of the most common mistakes for you so that it does not happen to you.

  1. Your new roses are environmentally consciously packaged in paper, not plastic, which is good for both the roses and the planet. Once you receive them, it is crucial to water them right away. For roses that come with bare roots, this means quickly removing the roots from their packaging and soaking them briefly in a bucket of cold water before planting. This is important to prevent the roots from drying out, which could otherwise hinder their growth and health. If you are not able to plant the roses immediately, you can temporarily store them in a bucket of water in a cool place, for example on the ground in a shed or storage room, to prevent them from starting to grow too early. However, it is best to plant them as soon as possible. For roses that arrive in pots, the approach is slightly different. Immediately after unpacking, remove them from their box and give them a little water. The journey can be tiring for the plants, and a little water will help them recover and get comfortable in their new home.
  2. Choose a good location and ensure sufficient sun and ventilation. Sun is essential for growth and flowering. Ventilation prevents diseases and fungi. 
  3. Plant a bare root rose sufficiently deep. The inoculation point (the point at which the branch grows from the root) should be under the soil. 
  4. It is a natural response to pour water into the planting hole before planting the bare root. However, don't do this! The root then does not adhere sufficiently to the soil. Fill the hole around the root with rich soil, press it firmly and then pour water at the root last.
  5. Keep the soil airy after planting. Roses like an airy earth that can breathe.
  6. Feed regularly. Growth and flowering takes a lot of energy, a little extra nutrition gives results.
  7. Water regularly, but not too much. A rose that has just been planted needs water to take root. Pay extra attention in a dry spring. Water directly at the root and not over the leaves. Moist leaves are extra sensitive to fungi. 
  8. Cut away diseased leaves immediately so that the problem cannot spread. Do not leave leaves lying around the plant, but throw them directly into the container.
  9. Prune immediately after flowering, all year round. This concentrates the plant's energy on producing new flowers. Support with a helping hand of nutrition.
  10. Roses are sensitive to frost. Therefore, protect your roses in autumn and winter by covering the point where the branches emerge (the inoculation point) with soil and leaves. Wrap standard roses with bubble wrap. Remove the protection in the spring during the first pruning.

Help! Common problems with possible solutions

First of all, it is good to realize that a rose may need some time. It is nature and not a product.

Problem: my rose does not produce flowers

Possible causes:

  • too little sun
  • too little nutrition
  • drought in spring
  • frost damage
  • not pruned

Try to improve the above. Some roses do not produce flowers in the first year after planting, so take good care of the rose and wait patiently for what nature has in store for the second year. If the result is not forthcoming, consider having a soil analysis carried out by a specialized company.

 Problem: suffer from mold and diseases

Possible causes:

  • insufficient ventilation 
  • too much moisture

Always ensure sufficient ventilation and keep the area around the rose clean.

 Problem: Insect problems

Possible causes:

  • lack of biodiversity

Insects such as lice can be a nuisance, but are usually not life-threatening to a rose. Insects are of inestimable importance to your garden. We therefore recommend looking at natural solutions such as planting allium, geranium (cranesbill) or marigold. Spray lice off the leaves with the garden hose. 

What to do in case of frost?

Roses are sensitive to frost and must therefore be protected. Is frost predicted? Then wait before planting so that the roots do not freeze. Have you already planted and is it going to freeze? Don't stress, cover the inoculation point of the rose under a generous layer of soil of at least 15 centimeters.  Wipe away the soil again during spring pruning. 

The rose calendar - activities per season

What do you do at what time of the year? We have created the overview for you.

Spring

March: spring pruning.

  • March to September: After spring pruning in March, give the roses their first feeding. This stimulates growth and flowering. You repeat this until September.
  • Mid-May to early June: Check the roses for curled petals. These are larvae of the rose sawfly. Cut away any leaves that are curling and throw the leaf in the container. 

Summer

  • Cut off spent flowers throughout the summer. This prevents the rose from producing hips and stimulates the growth of new flowers. Cut off the offshoot on which the flower grows at the next five-leaf.
  • Give the roses a handful of food after flowering. You repeat this until the month of September.

Autumn

  • It is best to plant bare root roses in mid-October when the soil is still warm. The rose can then still root for the winter. If you plant later, protect the inoculation point by covering it with soil and leaves.
  • October is the best time to transplant roses.

Winter

  • Roses are sensitive to frost. Therefore, mound the roots of climbing and shrub roses at the inoculation point with soil and leaves if you have not already done this in the autumn. Remove these again in the spring when you start pruning. 
  • Standard roses are extra sensitive because the inoculation point above the soil is very susceptible to frost in all weather conditions. Protect a standard rose with a bag filled with straw and remove it in the spring after frost.

Planting roses

Planting a rose is simple, but it is of course important that you do it right. In this article we explain step-by-step how to plant roses. In the ground or in a decorative pot.

When is the best time to plant roses?

You can plant bare root roses from mid-October to April, depending on the temperature. The best time is autumn, before the first frost. The soil is then still relatively warm and as a result the roots may still be able to form some root hairs so that the plants are 'established' for the winter. The roses will then develop better in the spring than if you plant later. This means you may see results sooner in the first year. However, planting later in the year is just as possible. The range of varieties at the nursery is often more limited (species may already be sold out) and the rose may take a little longer to get going. Roses that you buy in a pot can be planted all year round without any problems, as long as it does not freeze.

This is how you plant a bare root rose in your garden

Place the roots in a bucket of cold water before you start planting.

1. Loosen the soil well with the spade and dig a sufficiently large hole. The hole should be wide enough that the root shoots are exposed and not folded in half. For depth, it is important that large side shoots at the top of the root (this is called the oculation point) grow approximately 5 cm below the ground. This may look a bit crazy, but the side branches should be covered with soil. This prevents proliferation and protects the rose against frost. Remember not to put manure or other nutrients in the hole. We will do this later.

2. With your other hand, add 3 to 4 handfuls of garden soil or rose soil.

3. Press the soil firmly with your foot so that the soil closes nicely around the roots of the plant.

4. Water the rose well so that the root becomes nice and moist and repeat this during periods of drought, except when it is freezing.

This is how you plant a pot rose in your garden

Have you found a good spot? Then follow the steps below.

  1. Make a large planting hole of at least 50x50 cm.
  2. Improve the soil by filling the hole with rose or garden soil, preferably organic. This way the soil around the roots stays fresh and maintains active soil life. 
  3. Remove the rose from the plastic pot and place it in the planting hole with soil. Make sure that the root ball is not damaged. A handy way to prevent damage is to cut the pot open on both sides down to the bottom and carefully remove the rose and its root ball from the pot with both hands.
  4. Fill with soil and press it firmly. 
  5. Give the rose plenty of water and repeat this regularly in case of drought, except when it is freezing.

Planting roses in a decorative pot

A rose in a large pot on a terrace can be very decorative. When choosing a decorative pot, pay particular attention to the depth of the pot. A rose stops growing when the roots reach the bottom. We recommend using a pot that is at least 45 centimeters deep. To prevent frost damage, line the inside of the pot with bubble wrap before putting the soil in. Follow the same steps for planting as when planting a bare root rose or potted rose. The use of good soil and nutrition is extra important.

How many roses do you plant per m2?

To get a beautiful, fully grown image, plant 4 roses per m2. Some rose varieties form such large bushes that 3 roses per m2 would also be fine.

How many climbing roses do I need to cover a fence or wall?

We recommend that you plant 2 to 4 climbing roses per linear meter. Usually after about three years you will have a beautiful, fully grown fence or wall.

When do you feed a rose?

We expect a lot from a rose. Nutrition gives the plant the push to grow and bloom. Give a rose the first feeding after the first pruning in the spring and continue to repeat this after each flowering until September. You can find good organic rose food in our webshop.

Pruning Climbing roses and rose bushes

Planting a rose is simple, but it is of course important that you do it right. In this article we explain step-by-step how to plant roses. In the ground or in a decorative pot.

Pruning Climbing roses and ramblers

Klimrozen en Ramblers zijn mooie toevoegingen aan elke tuin. Maar om ze in topconditie te houden en ervoor te zorgen dat ze blijven bloeien, is het belangrijk om ze op de juiste manier te snoeien. Hieronder vind je een gids voor het snoeien van klimrozen en Ramblers.

Klimrozen

Klimrozen worden vaak gebruikt om muren, schuttingen of pergola's te bedekken. Ze hebben een verticale groeiwijze en hebben steun nodig om te kunnen klimmen. Om ervoor te zorgen dat je klimrozen elk jaar op hun best zijn, is het belangrijk om ze in de winter of het vroege voorjaar te snoeien. Hieronder vind je een stap-voor-stap-gids:

  1. Begin met het verwijderen van eventuele dode, beschadigde of zieke takken. Knip deze takken af tot aan de basis.
  2. Knip vervolgens alle takken terug tot ongeveer 30 centimeter boven de grond. Dit stimuleert nieuwe groei en bloei.
  3. Verwijder ten slotte eventuele zwakke, dunne takken en kruisende takken. Knip ze af tot aan de basis of tot aan een gezonde, naar buiten gerichte knop.

Ramblers

Ramblers zijn rozenstruiken die een lange, horizontale groeiwijze hebben. Ze zijn ideaal voor het bedekken van muren, bomen en pergola's. Om ervoor te zorgen dat je Ramblers gezond blijven en elk jaar bloeien, is het belangrijk om ze in de zomer na de bloei te snoeien. Hieronder vind je een stap-voor-stap-gids:

  1. Begin met het verwijderen van eventuele dode, beschadigde of zieke takken. Knip deze takken af tot aan de basis.
  2. Knip vervolgens de hoofdtakken terug tot ongeveer de helft van hun lengte. Dit stimuleert nieuwe groei en bloei.
  3. Verwijder ten slotte eventuele zijtakken die te dicht bij de grond groeien. Knip ze af tot aan de basis of tot aan een gezonde, naar buiten gerichte knop.

Als je deze stappen volgt, zorg je ervoor dat je klimrozen en Ramblers elk jaar gezond blijven en volop bloeien. Vergeet niet om regelmatig water te geven en de rozen te bemesten voor optimale groei.

Pruning rose bushes

It is often complicated, but it is not difficult at all: pruning a rose. It is mainly a matter of daring and doing. You prune a rose to stimulate new flowering and to shape the plant nicely. Pruning and feeding is often the best way to give a rose that is not doing so well a boost.

What do you need?

Good material is everything. A good pair of pruning shears, gloves and a rake are your friends.

  • To avoid diseases and ragged cuts, it is important that you have a good pruning shear that you use only for the roses. This is an investment that, with proper use, will give you pleasure for a lifetime. Disinfect the shears if necessary with alcohol. 
  • If you have to prune a lot, then special gloves are a nice protection against thorns. 
  • With a rake you collect the branches and leaves that you have trimmed and loosen the soil. Gather everything and put it directly in the green bin, then diseases have no chance.  

 When do you prune roses?

There are three periods for pruning roses: spring, summer and autumn pruning.

 Spring pruning in mid-March

In the spring you prune a rose to rejuvenate the plant and to allow new shoots to emerge. It may sound a bit dramatic, but when pruning you make cuts. The plant is injured and vulnerable. That is why you only prune a rose when the frost has passed, which is usually mid-March.

You cut the rose as follows. Thin branches take away energy from the plant and do not grow well, so you cut them off completely. You do the same with dead wood and branches that grow through each other. Try to keep three nice sturdy branches. Cut this off at 10 to 15 centimeters above the ground. You will probably see small red eyes on the branches, these are the new shoots. Cut off a main branch above an eye that points outwards, then the branch will grow outwards nicely. Remember that you always cut a branch at an angle.

With the spring pruning, you immediately give the roses a little extra nutrition on top of the roots. We like to use organic rose fertilizer. First, loosen the soil a bit with a rake.

 The summer pruning

Pruning makes flowers bloom. And that's why you always cut away the spent flowers. As you prune the branch lower, the rose will gain more strength. This is why you cut the branch under the armpit of the first side branch with five leaves. 

Continuous flowering roses will continue to produce new flowers in this way until autumn. Extra nutrition helps the rose with this. You can therefore continue to provide a little nutrition after each flowering during the summer until September. 

Sometimes you see long, thin shoots growing at the root of the rose. These wild shoots drain energy and will not produce flowers. Therefore, always cut them straight away.

Tip: do you think it is a shame to cut off flowers that have not yet fully bloomed and are you weighing with pain in your heart? Then place them in a vase indoors to enjoy them for a while. Cut the roses at different heights and combine different types. They bloom quite quickly but give a much more natural appearance than roses from the florist.

 The autumn pruning

Not everyone prunes before autumn. After working hard for a summer, we don't always feel like it anymore. The reason to do it is to restore structure, protect the rose from winter and to get more blooms in the spring.

To protect the rose bush against winter, cut it back to knee height, not lower. It is wise to cover the plant with about 15 centimeters of soil for extra protection.

Pruning different types of shrub roses

There are different types of shrub roses, each with their own pruning method. Below are some common types of shrub roses and how to prune them:

  1. Theehybriden

Hybrid tea plants often have long, slender stems and large, fragrant flowers. These roses should be pruned in the spring, once frost has passed and before new growth begins. Prune away all dead, diseased and damaged branches down to the base of the plant. Also prune the older branches that no longer produce as many flowers to rejuvenate the plant. Leave about three to five strong, healthy branches and prune them back to about a third of their original height.

2. Floribunda's

Floribundas produce multiple flowers on one branch and have a compact growth habit. These roses should be pruned in the spring, just like hybrid tea. Prune away all dead, diseased and damaged branches down to the base of the plant. Also prune the older branches that no longer produce as many flowers to rejuvenate the plant. Leave the young, healthy branches and prune them back to about half their original height.

3. English roses

English roses are often full and bushy and have a nostalgic appearance. These roses should be pruned in the spring, just like hybrid tea and floribundas. Prune away all dead, diseased and damaged branches down to the base of the plant. Also prune the older branches that no longer produce as many flowers to rejuvenate the plant. Leave about three to five strong, healthy branches and prune them back to about a third of their original height.

4.Rugosa roses

Rugosa roses usually have large, fragrant flowers and are hardy and resistant to pests and diseases. These roses should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Prune away all dead, diseased and damaged branches down to the base of the plant. Also prune branches that are too long or that protrude from the shape of the plant. Cut this back to just above an eye or a protruding leaf. Also prune the older branches that no longer produce as many flowers to rejuvenate the plant. Leave about three to five strong, healthy branches and prune them back to about a third of their original height.

Roses and diseases

Roses are strong, but like many other plants they can be susceptible to insects and mold. 

Types of diseases and fungi

Mildew, black spot and rust are common plant diseases that can affect plants and ultimately hinder the growth and flowering of the plant. Below you will find information on how to recognize and treat these plant diseases.

Mildew

Mildew is a fungal disease that causes whitish or grayish powdery spots on the leaves, stems and flowers of plants. The spots can spread and the plant can weaken. Mildew can be treated by removing the affected parts of the plant and treating the plant with a fungicide. There are many commercial fungicides available that are specifically formulated to treat mildew. It is important to follow the instructions on the package and treat the plant regularly until the symptoms disappear.

Star Sooty Dew

Black spot is a fungal disease that causes black or brown spots on the leaves of plants. The spots often have a star-shaped pattern and can spread to other parts of the plant. Black spot can be treated by removing affected leaves and treating the plant with a fungicide. It is also important to ensure that the plants are well ventilated and that there is sufficient space between plants to prevent mold growth.

Rust

Rust is a fungal disease that causes yellow, orange or brown spots on the leaves of plants. The spots can spread and the leaves can discolor and die. Rust can be treated by removing affected leaves and treating the plant with a fungicide. It is also important to ensure that the plants are well watered and that there is sufficient space between plants to prevent mold growth.

It is important to treat plant diseases as soon as possible to prevent further spread. Keep your plants healthy by inspecting and caring for them regularly and making sure they get enough air and light.

Insects

There are several types of insects that can cause problems with roses. Below are some common insects that can attack roses and how to treat them.

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft insects that suck sap from the leaves of the rose. This can lead to yellowing and deformation of the leaves, as well as reduced growth and flowering. Aphids can be treated by spraying them off the plant with water, or by using insecticides specifically designed to kill aphids.

Spider mites

Spider mites are small, red insects that can create fine webs on the rose plant and cause the leaves to dry out and discolour. Spider mites can be treated by spraying them from the plant with water and by keeping the plant regularly moist. If the spider mites continue to spread, use a special insecticide.

Rosenkever

Rose beetles are large, shiny insects that are often active at night and eat the petals of roses. This can lead to misshapen flowers and reduced flowering. Rose beetles can be treated by manually removing them from the plant or using insecticides.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies that can eat the leaves of roses. This can lead to discoloration and drying out of the leaves. Caterpillars can be treated by manually removing them from the plant, or by using insecticides specifically designed to kill caterpillars.

It is important to tackle insect pests as quickly as possible to prevent damage to the plant. Make sure you regularly check the plants for insects and damage and choose an appropriate method to treat them.

Controlling insects and preventing diseases

Prevention is always better than cure. A lot is possible in a natural way. A healthy plant is less susceptible to diseases. Good nutrition and fertilization are therefore important. Water young plants regularly during the first 2 years during drought. Remember never to spray over the leaves, but directly at the root. And do not water the roses too late in the day so that the shrub dries up during the night and is therefore less susceptible to mold.

By creating more biodiversity in your garden you increase the natural protection against insects. For example, plants that are related to the onion help against aphids. Plant chives and garlic between the roses. Allium is also a beautiful combination. Other well-known classics are lavender and clematis for climbing roses.

Do not spray methylated spirits on the rose if there are lice. It is much better to maintain the natural balance. Lacewings and ladybirds eat a lot of aphids, but these predators will come to your roses when there is something to eat. A few aphids will not bother your rose, but if there are too many due to the lack of enemies, the garden hose is the solution to solve this problem. Lice and a lot of cold water do not go together, you can easily spray the lice off the plant if you hold the top of the branch for a moment. 

Leaf rollers are mainly active on rose bushes that are located near trees. They can completely disfigure a plant in a short time. The advice is to pluck off the curled leaves and dispose of them. The moment the presence of the leaf roller becomes visible, the damage has already been done and the damage cannot be reversed. If you are desperate, you can consider fighting the larvae that is in the curled leaves. There are numerous remedies available on the market to combat these infections. Ask for advice before purchasing. 

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