Rose Bushes and Climbing Roses typically don't require a great deal of maintenance. Dead heading Rose bush that are perennial and continual bloomers is a must to keep the blooms coming during the growing season. Fertilize using rose specific fertilizer in March. Remember one thing roses LOVE is potassium, so don't throw away old bananas or banana peels, as all parts of the banana are Very High in Potassium. Simply take old fruit or peels and place them at the base of the plant, next to the trunk. Placing them under the thorny branches will deter lawn vermin from stealing the fruit, as most don't like the rose bush thorns. The fruit and peels will slowly disintegrate, putting trace amounts of potassium directly into the root system.
Now is also the time to cut your rose bushes back and remove dead limbs and foliage. Climbing Roses may need trimming as well. Both can handle about 1/3 of the plant being pruned. Be especially careful in cutting the climbers, unlike the rose bush, climbers are deciduous (plant blooms on old limbs).
Watering your roses shouldn't be a problem in most areas. Mother Nature usually provides what this plant needs. During extended periods of drought or extreme heat a little extra water may be Ok, otherwise, leave them alone.
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*All Photos by JSRedfearn
*Photos taken at the SOBX- NC Coast
Be nice to your roses and enjoy them almost all year.