I Asked Rosarians How to Prep My Roses Now for Stunning Summer Blooms – Here’s What They Told Me

Babies, it's still cold outside, but we're not far off the point where our gardens wake up in earnest – along with our beloved roses. Or, at least, they would, if only we knew what we were doing.

No matter your USDA Planting Zone, there's no denying that timing and technique make all the difference to roses. And making a few small adjustments now can mean a garden bursting with color and fragrance when summer hits its stride.

I love roses, whether it's a basic bloom or a deeply meaningful birth month rose. However, I often find myself neglecting them over the winter months (just call me a fair-weather friend, I guess).

To make sure I get the most from them come summer, I went straight to the experts: experienced rosarians who’ve spent decades coaxing the most beautiful blooms from these famously finicky plants. I wanted to know what I should be doing right now to set myself up for a dazzling summer display.

What the Rosarians Advise

Before spring really kicks in, I wanted to know what rosarians actually do to prep their roses. Craig Dorschel, Master Rosarian and President of the American Rose Society, told me that it depends on your winter.

"In colder climates, rosarians protect their roses and mostly wait until dormancy, spending the time browsing catalogs, sharpening tools, and planning the growing season ahead," he explained. "In milder zones like Florida, the roses never truly go dormant, so rosarians focus on stripping off old leaves to get ready for pruning."

Pruning Essentials:

It was the first time I realized how much of rose care is about preparation, not just action. And there are plenty more practical tips where they came from, too.

1. Find Sunshine

Sun, it turns out, is non-negotiable. Wes Harvell, a rosarian at Jackson & Perkins, stressed that roses need at least six hours of direct sunlight, and ideally eight or more, with morning sun especially important to dry leaves quickly and prevent disease.

2. Feed the Soil, Not Just the Plant

Wes also reminded me that roses aren’t just heavy feeders: they thrive in rich, living soil.

"Work compost or well-rotted manure into the bed and supplement with a balanced rose fertilizer during the growing season," he suggests.

Something like Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Rose Plant Food should do the trick.

3. Water Deeply

When it comes to rose care, Wes is very clear on one thing in particular: shallow watering leads to weak roots.

As such, he suggests deep watering at the base so moisture reaches 12-18 inches down, rather than shallow, frequent sprinklings that produce weak roots.

4. Prune and Mulch Like a Pro

Pruning, according to Wes, should be done confidently (and by sticking to the Three Ds rule).

"Don’t be shy. Prune in early spring when buds swell, cutting back to outward-facing bud eye to improve airflow and shape. Removing old, weak canes encourages healthier new growth," he says.

Mulching, too, is vital for healthy roses. "A 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch keeps roots cool, holds moisture, and suppresses weeds," adds Wes, noting that, as it breaks down, it improves soil structure over time.

Try something like R&M Organics Premium Organic Compost for this.

Finally, Wes gave me the ultimate tip for easier, rosier summers ahead: choose disease-resistant varieties.

"Modern shrub roses and many heirloom types are bred for resistance," he says, promising this makes for fewer sprays, less fuss, and more reward for your effort. Which means, yes, my eye is now very much on the vibrant Coral Knock Out® Shrub Rose from Nature Hills.

With these insights, I realized that getting a show-stopping rose garden isn’t about doing everything, but doing the right things at the right time – as in, right now, before the buds even start to swell.

Time to get busy, then, I guess...