What To Do With Roses In September?

Gardening with Roses in September

September is a great time to tend to roses in the garden, as the cooler weather gives you a chance to get your plants in order before the winter sets in.

Why September is a Good Time to Prune Roses

If you want to keep your roses healthy and looking their best, pruning is essential – and autumn is the ideal time for this job.

Snip off any soggy or shrivelled rose flowers to prevent rot setting in, then pick off and bin any remaining foliage that shows signs of disease, such as black spot, mildew or rust.

Transplanting Roses in Autumn

Autumn is also a good time to transplant any roses that are in the wrong position – either because they’ve outgrown their current space, or because they’re not getting enough light or water.

When transplanting, use a sharp spade or fork to carefully lift the rootball from the ground, tease out any compacted roots, trim back any branches, then replant into freshly prepared soil.

Pruning Out Dead and Damaged Stems

Deadheading, or snipping off dead flower heads, encourages new blooms to form – but if you’re dealing with shrub roses, you need to do more than this.

Thinning, where you remove some of the stems at ground level, keeps shrub roses looking neat and tidy, it also allows light into the centre of the bush, so new growth can easily flourish.

Cutting Back Climbing Roses

>Deadwood pruning, or cutting back climbing roses which produce shoots year after year (like >ramblers) should be done in early autumn (September/October), while those which flower on new growth (like >clusters) should be pruned after flowering.

Feeding and Mulching

To promote healthy growth when pruning your roses, help them out by adding some well-rotted manure or compost around their base, this will give them extra nourishment for springtime flowering! You can also add mulch around your rose bushes at this time of year – it helps keep moisture levels even during dry spells.

Pest Management

Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, greenfly and caterpillars – all of which can cause significant damage if left unchecked. If you spot any on your plants, blast them off with a jet of water from your hosepipe – but if they persist you may need to use an appropriate insecticide (follow manufacturer’s instructions).

Dividing and Propagating Roses

If you want to propagate more rose plants from an existing bush – either for yourself or as gifts for friends – now’s a good time to do it! Simply dig up the bush carefully using a spade, divide it into chunks using two forks placed back-to-back, then replant each chunk into its own hole.

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Watering and Protecting from Frost

Over winter , make sure your roses are well watered , particularly during dry spells . You can also provide frost protection , such as covering with fleece overnight .

Conclusion

Following these simple steps will help ensure that your roses look their best for many years to come . With regular care , pruning , feeding , mulching and pest management , you’ll be rewarded with beautiful blooms all summer long !