What’s blooming at Lake Wilderness Arboretum | May 20

Published 1:13 pm Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Roses are a beautiful addition to any Pacific Northwest garden. Not as fragile as they appear, roses can be left to bloom on their own; however, with a little effort, you will grow healthier plants with more blooms.

Choose a site where the plants can sun for at least six hours. Plant in slightly acidic or neutral rich loam, using organic matter or compost, with good drainage. Roses are heavy feeders and need regular deep watering as well as air flow around each plant, to deter fungal diseases like black spot or powdery mildew.

Put a handful of bone meal or superphosphate in the hole and into the soil, then place the plant so the knobby graft union is just below soil level, spread the roots out and re-fill.

Water deeply and apply one to two inches of mulch. Soak the roots of bare root roses in water for about an hour before planting.

Water every week and feed once they start to leaf, then about every six weeks throughout the growing season. Roses are great cutting flowers; enjoy the beautiful blooms in bouquets, too.

Visit LakeWildernessArboretum.org, email info@lakewildernessarboretum.org or call 253-293-5103 to volunteer, donate or become a member.