| Roses in the desert can grow in full sun even here in Phoenix. Water is important so water deeply every 2-3 days during the summer months. Mulch over the top of the soil to help moderate soil tempertures, suppress weeds, and slow evaporation. 4-6 inches of organic mulch on top of the rose beds makes all the difference in the world in our summer sun. Pine needles are an excellen mulch, but compost works well, too. Roses should be pruned in January- after they have finished blooming. Roses are heavy feeders and appreciate being fed on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. A good rose food works fine, or you may use fish emulsion, 1 Tablespoon for each gallon of water, 2 gallons of the mixture per rose bush. If you use any high nitrogen fertilizer at full strength in the high temperatures, you can severely burn your rose roots and foliage. Fertilizing should be done in the late afternoon when the sun is setting. This will reduce the possibility of the fertilizer burning the rose foliage. Best wishes with your roses! |
