To care for roses like a pro, you should know what NOT to do.
If your garden roses look more « tired shrub » than « shiny bloom, » something’s wrong. While roses aren’t the most low-maintenance of plants, a few forgotten fundamentals can spell trouble.
Start by auditing your rose care. This list of common mistakes will allow you to correct poor habits and uncover overlooked essentials. Avoid these traps, and your time, money, and effort will be spent on healthier rose bushes and more blooming.
1. Planting Roses Unsuitable for Your Climate Zone
Roses also differ greatly in hardiness—some shrub varieties do well even in USDA Zone 3, and some hybrid teas only do well in Zone 5 and higher. If ordering by mail, make sure the variety is appropriate for your growing zone.
2. Planting in the Wrong Place
Roses range from miniature minis to wayward ramblers. A full-sun rose will not thrive in shade, nor is a big shrub rose a suitable choice for a confined area. Match the plant’s needs to the space.
3. Skipping Soil Amendments
Plant in better soil—mix compost or manure into a hole 1 ft deep and as much as 2 ft wide. In heavy clay, dig deeper and mix in organic matter like bark or coir for better drainage and structure.
4. Underestimating Wildlife
Deer will eat young leaves and flowers despite thorns. If damage is likely, use deer-tolerant varieties, repellents, or install fencing.
5. Underwatering
Most roses need regular water—at least weekly in dry weather, more frequently for container-grown plants. Avoid getting leaves wet to fend off fungal diseases like black spot.
6. Failure to Deadhead
Regular deadheading of spent blooms encourages more flowers and keeps your rose tidy. Pick off old blooms by hand as you go by, or prune back heavy-flowering shrubs to encourage rebloom.
7. Lack of Annual Pruning
Prune once a year at the right time—immediately after bloom for single-blooming roses, or late winter/early spring for repeat bloomers. Wear gloves and use clean tools for sharp cuts, and remove cuttings.
8. Overusing Chemical Pest Control
Roses attract beneficial insects—avoid broad-spectrum pesticides that eliminate them. Use safer alternatives such as neem oil or insecticidal soap only when absolutely necessary.
9. Fertilizing Incorrectly
Roses require feedings based on their blooming habits and age. Repeat bloomers benefit from regular spring and summer feeding. Stop fertilizing about 8 weeks before your first frost to avoid forcing tender growth before dormancy.
10. Failing to notice Rose Rosette Disease
This lethal viral illness will kill a rose in a few years. If you see distorted growth, unusual thorniness, or red shoots—remove and discard the plant at once. Don’t compost it, so you won’t transmit the disease.
Avoid these rose care mistakes and you’ll be on your way to flourishing blooms and healthier plants all season long.
