Let roses continue their summer dormancy

Summer is certainly upon us – and based on past experience, it’s only going to get hotter before it gets cooler. I didn’t need to tell you that at the beginning of August, did I?

Since high summer temperatures and less-than-ideal conditions for roses are inevitable for the next couple of months, get ready. Those who have taken my advice are letting their roses continue their summer dormancy, which should last until about mid-September. Why make them produce blooms when they’re struggling to stay hydrated?

Let the roses “do whatever they do,” that is, just remove and discard the withered petals and let the hips develop, keep the bed clean of debris and don’t fertilize. Twice a week give hybrid teas a deep, slow watering of 3 gallons of water. Take an investigative stroll through the garden in the morning and look for leaf wilt, drying or discolored leaves and lack of general leaf reflectance or surface luster. If it appears dull, investigate the plant for disease, drought or pests.

During this daily tour, look for any changes. It doesn’t take long for a rose to suffer once its irrigation supply fails. Examine the lower leaves. If they appear yellow or brown, have fine webbing or look dirty, there may be an infestation of spider mites.

Spider mites thrive in hot weather and are generally found on the undersides of the lower leaves. A quick check can be made by lightly running fingers across the underside of the leaf. If it has a small grainy feel, it most likely is the spider mite. A strong spray of water from below followed by an overhead shower should take care of the problem or, at least, hold it in check.

Give the shower early in the day, so the plant has time to dry before the sun becomes hot. Do this every three days for 10 to 14 days, inspecting regularly. It may be necessary to repeat after a few days if the infestation is heavy. Removing the bottom leaves approximately 8 inches from soil level can help in reducing to eliminating the spider mite problem. It should be done earlier, before an infestation.

The world is dangerous enough for plants, but gardeners are also faced with risks. One recently came to my attention through a Dr. Gott. It’s a dangerous fungus with the scientific name Sporothrix schenckii. It infects humans with the fungal infection sporotrichosis. It is often referred to as the rose thorn or rose gardener’s disease.

The fungus resides on hay, sphagnum moss, the tips of rose thorns and in soil. It can cause infection, redness, swelling and open ulcers at the puncture site. The fungus can also spread to the lymphatic system and move on to the joints and bones where it ends up attacking the central nervous system and lungs when the thorn or thorns are deeply embedded. A relatively uncommon condition, diagnosis can be complicated. Physicians often mistake it as staph or strep infection. If this condition is suspected, gardeners should be sure to inform a physician, so appropriate diagnosis and treatment are rendered.

Gardeners who are following my summer protocol for growing roses should have rose hips and few blossoms left on the bushes. Otherwise, use a semi-dormancy period. Soon it will be time to “wake” the rose bush up again for a couple bloom cycles yet in the year.

Between mid-August and mid-September, a small pruning should be done; do not remove more than a third of the current growth.

Around first to mid-September begin fertilizing again with one higher in phosphate, which is the P in NPK rating. Most organic fertilizers don't use this obvious rating, instead read the packaging information which will be in percentages. In either case look for something similar to 8-10-8.

Everyone enjoys the fragrance and beauty of roses, and gardeners often have their skin pierced by thorns or “prickles,” which is the correct anatomical name. Good protective measures include wearing appropriate clothing – gloves, long sleeves or gauntlets – when working among roses and thoroughly cleansing even minor scratches and punctures with an antibacterial soap.

Rubbing alcohol – which should already be on hand to clean pruners – can be applied as an immediate wash until the gardener can wash using antibacterial soap. Anything more than a minor puncture should be watched carefully for signs of infection; seek medical attention as soon as possible if any of the signs described above appear. Even the simple things in life have risks, taking precautions ensures that gardeners can stop and smell the roses.

For inspiration or rejuvenation, visit the Rose Haven Heritage Garden, 30592 Jedediah Smith Road, in Temecula. Also, visit http://www.TemeculaValleyRoseSociety.org.