Roses in Mediterranean Climates: How to Maximize Autumn Bloom

With the majority of the summer heat in the past, roses grown in Mediterranean climates often demonstrate a spring-like rebirth in the relatively moderate weather of fall. Here are six tips to maximize your autumn bloom:

• Fertilize actively blooming roses at the end of bloom cycles as they set new buds and grow new leaves.
• Cut flowers of roses in bloom.

• Prune expired and dead blooms back to a desirable bud or node for future growth and blooming. Prune crossing and unpromising new growth. Trim off blind shoots, which are short stems that end in leaves and never produce flowers.

• Monitor roses every 2 to 3 days and respond early to pests and diseases.
• Select and plant roses. Fall is an excellent time to plant new roses in Mediterranean climates; rose plants have a chance to acclimate in the relatively cool, wet winter.
• Add 1 to 2 inches of mulch to new rose plantings and maintain 2 inches mulch around established plants.

Don’t know your GardenZeus climate zone? Click here.

Other articles of interest:

Remove Chlorine When Watering Organic Gardens

Rose Canes as Deterrent for Mammalian Pests