Rose Care

December/January

These months remain key months for the desert rose grower.  It is at this time the old roses, (Prior to February 15) are pruned and the new roses planted.

• Pruning
• Find your best canes.  The largest and healthiest.  Look for an outside bud Cut about 1/4 inch above it and then seal the cane with Elmer's Woodworking Glue. Remove no more than 1/3 of each of each cane you want to save. Also pune nor more of then entire bush.
• Then strip all of the leaves, if there are any left and remove all the rose litter from around the plant.
• Plant your new roses.
• Buy the best-rated roses you want to afford.
• Get only the number ones.  Notice: we mean bare root roses.  Not the ones in pots.
• Pots often are the leftovers from the bareroots that may not have sold.
• Be sure to go to the nursery with a list of roses.
• Check with the American Rose Society for rose ratings.
• Never buy one with a rating less than seven.
• Better yet try one of the roses we recommend.