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• Part 1 of 2: Recognizing the needs of your roses
• Part 2 of 2: Using the correct watering techniques

Some gardeners will argue that it is impossible to overwater a rose. This is not entirely correct, but it is true that these plants do not tolerate drought well. This article will provide you with information on how to properly water your roses.

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Part 1 of 2: Recognizing the needs of your roses

1. Determine the soil type of your garden. Soil type and drainage will affect how often you need to water roses. Sandy soil drains easily and will not retain much water. Clay soil will then retain moisture much better. However, a very heavy clay soil will require compost or similar garden material to enrich the soil at the time of planting.
2. Take into account the annual weather conditions. Naturally, plants need water during warm, dry weather. But you should also know that plants can dry out considerably from the wind, even when it is cold. Newly planted roses can dry out during a dry, windy autumn or winter.
   • You can assume that roses will need water every day in extremely hot weather. In a warm period you will have to water every two to three days. And in warm and dry weather you will have to water once a week on average.
   • Also consider how windy it is when deciding how much to water; wind indicates that more water is needed.
3. Take the age of your roses into account. Newly planted roses have not yet developed a root structure, so if you have planted them during the last few months, it is particularly important to water the roses regularly in dry weather - even if you have only planted them for winter.Water shortage is one of the main reasons why newly planted plants fail to thrive.
   • Once established, the plants will be better suited to seek water in a larger area of ​​soil, so after six months you can start to water a little less.
4. Pay attention to the size of your rose bush. Larger rose bushes will have roots that extend over a wider area than smaller bushes. This means that larger rose bushes need more water to allow the water to reach all the roots.
5. Determine how dry the soil is. Another way to judge if roses need water is to dig a few inches deep next to the plant. Be careful not to damage the roots. If the soil below the surface feels dry, water immediately. If only the surface is dry, you can wait a little longer.

Part 2 of 2: Using the correct watering techniques

1. Water the roses a lot and a little less frequently. It is better to give rose bushes a larger amount of water less often than often small amounts. For example, a full watering can once a week is better than a quarter every two days.
   • This is because it is better for the plant to develop deep roots in search of water. In addition, it is better that the soil is not completely saturated with water that remains.
   • This is an important thing to consider, especially with clay soils and other soils that drain poorly and where water retention is more common.
2. Use the correct watering can. If possible, opt for a large watering can. Better to use a watering can with a showerhead-like spout that will keep all the water from coming out at once.
   • Using a single spout can start to erode the soil around the roots. Exposure will eventually damage the roots. Roses always prefer rainwater, but this is not critical.
   • If you use a garden hammer, you should avoid high pressure because this can also erode the soil near the roots. Alternatively, you can opt for an irrigation system - but keep a close eye on this so that it works correctly and your roses are getting the right amount of water.
3. Water the soil to a depth of 45 cm. Water relatively slowly near the base of the plant, pausing to allow it to soak into the soil. The goal is to moisten the soil to a depth of about 45 cm. After a very dry period, the soil can burn hard and it can take longer for the water to be absorbed. Be patient!
4. Water your roses early in the morning. It is usually better not to water your rose bushes when it is warm. Try to get into the habit of watering them as soon as you wake up, when the sun is not too high.
   • This allows the foliage to dry up before the cooler evening air can reach them. A rose with wet foliage is more at risk for mildew and black spots. This will not be a problem if you have an irrigation system set up on the soil surface, as it will prevent the leaves from getting wet.
   • Even with an irrigation system installed, some gardeners recommend watering from above using a watering can or garden hose so you can loosen spider mites before it becomes a problem.
5. Put a thick layer of mulch to help retain moisture in the soil. A thick layer of mulch around the roses will keep the moisture in the soil, so you will have to water less often.
   • Well-rotted horse manure is suitable for roses - use after feeding (ideally in late spring) and on damp soil. Choose a depth of 10 cm around the rose if the soil is not cold or frozen.
   • Every year you need to replace the old mulch with a new layer. The beginning of the growing season (spring) is an ideal time to feed your roses and replace the mulch.
6. Reduce your water consumption by incorporating water-retaining material into the soil. You can also save water by mixing a water-retaining material into the soil during planting. These can be purchased at garden centers and have been developed to be mixed into the soil or compost during planting.
   • In addition, some rose varieties are more drought resistant. Some will even tolerate shade, so consider growing these varieties so you will need less water.
7. Know that roses grown in containers require more water. Roses in containers will dry out a bit faster than roses in open ground, so they will need more water. In warm conditions, you should water roses in containers every day.
   • Using mulch will reduce the need for water. Inorganic mulches such as pebbles or soil are suitable for containers and look nice.
   • Also consider using a watering device designed for watering potted plants gradually over a period of time. You can buy these from garden centers or make your own using an old plastic bottle and a manual on the internet.
8. Water your roses immediately when they start to droop. When your roses start to wilt and droop, they will likely need water right away.
   • In the long term, the leaves will dry up and wither and the flowers will bloom less and may even die.
   • Smaller and fewer blossoms indicate stress on the plant, probably due to a lack of water.
9. Do not overwater roses as this can cause root rot. Too much water can rot the roots, especially in soils with poor drainage. Watch for yellow and drooping leaves. New shoots that are wilting and dying also indicate an excess of water.
   • Make sure that roses in containers never soak in water. Do not put the containers in dishes, bowls or dishes.
   • Too much water can also discolor the foliage (yellowish and mottled).