Roses can withstand drought very well
Long periods of drought in summer are becoming the rule rather than the exception. Roses are one of very few plants that hold up well during these periods. With their long-lasting and high ornamental value, they give a quality boost to greenery in cityscapes.
DEEPLY ROOTED
After a long dry spell in summer, you will often find that roses are still looking fresh and in full bloom. Most plants respond to prolonged drought by losing their leaves or curling up. This is how they prevent water evaporating via the leaves. Roses do not need this protective mechanism, since they are strong and have deep roots. Watering is only necessary for newly planted roses and during extremely long periods of drought.
MULCH LAYER
Roses prefer being dry to getting wet feet. Since periods of extremely heavy rainfall are also becoming more frequent, it is important that the soil is well-drained. Otherwise, any type of soil is suitable. On drier soils, you may want to apply a mulch layer of organic material such as leaves or compost. A thickness of about 5 cm is ideal. This mulch layer suppresses weeds, stimulates soil life, prevents the top layer from drying out and provides nutrients, among other things.
VARIED ASSORTMENT
Ground cover roses and shrub roses are particularly suitable for public spaces. The lower varieties are suitable for flower boxes and areas around trees. Climbing roses are suitable for façades and trellises. Upright rose bushes with large flowers (particularly Tea hybrids and Florabundas) are suitable for traditional rose beds.
ROSE FACTS
Most roses require at least 4 hours of sun.
New roses are often selected for being self-cleaning: faded flowers will fall off on their own.
Roses will flower from May until well into autumn; the colours range from white to purple, pastel yellow to bright red and everything in between.
Red roses may fade somewhat in prolonged heat; but new roses that appear afterwards will have their usual colour again.
