Do This to Roses in April for Your Biggest Blooms Yet: This Spring Wake-Up Will Kick Them into Gear
April is when most roses leave their winter dormancy phase, so it's the perfect time to give them some extra attention. Here's exactly what you should be doing.
Your April may not look like my April, and your rose may not look like my roses. That’s why rose care in April must be tailored to your region and your rose type. This makes sense, since some states are enjoying spring as March turns into April, while others are still waiting for the last frost of the season.
Anyone planting rose bushes is hoping to increase the beauty of their landscape, and as long as you keep your plants healthy, you are sure to enjoy their blooms. Some varieties, like shrub roses, offer wave after wave of blossoms that can run from spring through fall, but those who love the delightful scent of old garden roses will have a shorter season of spectacular flowers.
These differences impact some parts of rose care in April. .
Article continues below1. Check the Soil
Every rose of every type depends on its soil to thrive. Soil is the foundation for the roots of each plant, but it also provides nutrients and moisture for the roots to carry up to the stem, foliage, and blossoms. Whether you have shrub roses, old garden roses or even wild roses, checking the condition of the soil in April is critical.
Winter can be hard on soil. Rain, wind and snow can cause the soil to compact, preventing air and water from entering. In April, as the garden awakens from its winter dormancy, you’ll want to take a close look to see what damage has been done. Compact soil stops the roots from developing, limits the water and nutrients available to the roots, and can even lead to oxygen deficiency.
If the soil around the rose bush is compacted, take steps to loosen it. Wait until the soil is dry, since wet soil increases the risk and extent of compaction. You don’t have to dig up the plant; just loosen the soil at ground level.
How to proceed? Create holes in the soil around the rose bush by using an aerator or a garden fork. This allows water, nutrients and oxygen to enter. Then blend organic compost into the upper soil.
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2. Check the Moisture Level
Roses thrive in moist, well-draining soil. As you are taking care of the compacted topsoil, check how much moisture the shrub is getting. No species of roses can thrive in wet soil; it results in root rot. And dry soil will reduce growth and limit floration.
The ideal soil for rose bushes is moist, rich in organic content, and offers good drainage. If you’ve had a dry spring, it may be time for a deep rose watering routine. Remember that your roses are just waking up from winter dormancy and will be needing water for the spurt of growth ahead. The idea is providing consistent hydration while avoiding “wet” soil. Applying a layer of organic mulch helps the soil hold the moisture longer.
3. Fertilize as the Leaves Form
Who wouldn’t be hungry if they spent the winter without food? Even grizzly bears emerge from hibernation starving for food. Roses will be hungry too.
Start fertilizing roses when new leaves begin to emerge. This gives them a boost of energy to tackle the spring growth spurt. Use a balanced granula fertilizer since roses need Nitrogen for foliage growth, Phosphorus for flower production, and Potassium for general plant health.
Feeding roses in April makes these essential nutrients available to the plant to encourage top growth and abundant blooming. Every rose needs strong roots and healthy foliage, and fertilizer gets them there. Note: for best results, water the soil before and after adding fertilizer.
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4. Don't Shy Away from Pruning
Many gardeners hesitate to prune roses. I think the hesitation comes from the fact that pruning cannot be undone and the process can seem complex. But pruning is essential in April if you want your roses to thrive.
This is the time where you need to be aware of the type of roses in your garden. Pruning is different in April for the different types and some - like old garden roses - should only get basic 3-D pruning (e.g. removal of dead, diseased and broken canes) before they bloom in spring or summer.
So, start with that basic pruning for all of your roses. Check the rose bushes for wood that appears to be dead or diseased. Note broken canes as well. Prune out all of these problem canes. With dead canes, you will need to remove them entirely. For broken or partially diseased canes, cut each one back to healthy, green parts of the stem. Cut at a 45 degree angle, ideally just above an outward-facing bud. You can also prune back crossing branches that can cause problems as they grow.
Now let’s talk specifics for what additional pruning to do in April. This depends on the species of roses in your garden.
- Old garden roses: stop pruning in April after doing this basic pruning.
- Hybrid tea roses: in April, prune back to 18 inches (45 cm) above the soil.
- Grandiflora: in April, prune back to 18 inches (45 cm) above the soil.
- Floribunda roses: in April, prune out some of the inside canes in each cluster to allow the air to enter, then prune them back to 2 or 3 feet (.6 - 1m) above the soil.
- Mini roses: in April, only do light shaping.
- Shrub roses (including Knockouts): prune out any canes that are noticeably smaller than the other canes, since they probably will not produce flowers; prune out thick, old, less productive canes as close to the crown as possible; then reduce the size of the shrub to one-third of its height.
5. Watch for Pests and Diseases
Apply rose fungicides to prevent fungal diseases. Look on the leaves - particularly the undersides - for sap-sucking pests like aphids, and wash them off with the hose.
