Cultural Suggestions 
Anyone can grow roses. There have been 
so many instructions on the planting and care 
of roses that many amateurs hesitate to be- 
gin a rose garden. The important things in 
choosing your location are good drainage, at 
least half a day of full sun, and protection 
from very strong winds. 
It is advisable to spade the bed in advance 
to a depth of at least 18 inches. Well rotted 
cow manure is very good for spading in at 
this time, or this may be applied away from 
the roots when planting. It is also fine for a 
top fertilizer in early Spring. 
When you receive your roses, completely 
unwrap them and immerse in a bucket of 
water until planted. If you cannot plant im- 
mediately, bury them in moist soil for a few 
days. But plant them as soon as possible. 
Roses should be planted at least two feet 
apart. Dig a large enough hole so the roots 
spread out completely. Prune any broken 
roots. A cone of dirt in the center of the hole 
is very important, so the roots fit down natur- 
ally over it. The bud union, from where the 
branches start, should be just below ground 
level. It is best to run water in the hole as you 
fill in the dirt. There MUST NOT be any air 
pockets left around the roots or the rose will 
die. Water again several days later so the 
ground will settle firmly. 
Heaping the soil up around newly planted 
roses to a depth of 4 to 6 inches will help re- 
tain the moisture and is also good Winter 
protection. Rake this away when growth starts. 
Our roses are pruned for Fall planting. 
They should be cut back further in Spring 
after danger of freezing is past, while still 
dormant. Pruning back every Spring to 6 
inches, or anywhere up to 10 inches, will 
bring fine roses much sooner. 
During the growing season it is best to 
water the ground under the roses, rather than 
sprinkle the foliage. 
Roses are susceptible to bugs and diseases. 
A Dormant Spray should be applied twice in 
the Winter. A combination spray for bugs and 
diseases should be used every ten days thru 
the Summer. Good, reputable, especially pre- 
pared rose sprays are available at any nursery, 
supply store. 
