March 12, 2025

How to Grow Roses Naturally and Keep Them Thriving

When we picture a beautiful garden, roses often come first to mind. They’re timeless, classic, and bring an elegance that few other flowers can match. But for many gardeners, roses come with a reputation for being difficult, demanding constant attention and perfect growing conditions. The truth is, roses are far more forgiving than they’re given credit for. With the right care and a few smart techniques, you can grow healthy, vibrant roses that bloom effortlessly. It’s not about luck, as with most plants, it’s about knowing what they need and giving them a little extra attention. 

At Lost Coast Plant Therapy, we know how rewarding it is to see your roses thrive. That’s why we created our Natural Plant Wash, a gentle but powerful solution made with natural and organic ingredients. It helps control pests and diseases like powdery mildew and aphids without harming bees, ladybugs, or praying mantis, or disrupting the balance of your garden. Healthy roses are happy roses, and with the right care, your rose garden will become a source of pride and beauty for years to come.

Choosing the Right Rose Variety for Your Garden

Roses come in more varieties than most gardeners realize, and finding the right one for your garden can make all the difference. Some roses thrive in containers, others prefer climbing across trellises, and some put out clusters of color that last all season long.

Understanding the unique traits of different rose varieties helps you choose plants that will not only grow well in your climate but also match the style and maintenance level you prefer. Whether you're aiming for fragrant cut flowers or a low-maintenance landscape, there’s a rose variety that will fit your needs perfectly.

Hybrid Tea Roses

Hybrid Tea roses are the classic "long-stemmed" roses prized by florists. They typically produce one large, high-centered bloom per stem, which makes them ideal for cutting. These roses are known for their elegant form and intense fragrance, but they require more attention than other varieties.

Regular feeding and consistent pruning are essential to keep hybrid teas healthy and producing blooms. They grow best in sunny, well-ventilated areas and need protection from harsh winters. In colder climates, planting them in a sheltered spot or adding extra mulch around the base helps them survive through frost. If you’re looking for roses that will give you perfect flowers for a vase, hybrid teas are a great choice, but they’re not the easiest to grow.

Floribunda Roses

Floribundas are all about color and quantity. Unlike hybrid teas, which produce one flower per stem, floribundas grow in clusters, giving you bursts of color throughout the season. They're tough, adaptable, and easier to care for than hybrid teas, making them a popular choice for beginner gardeners.

Floribundas thrive in various climates and are less sensitive to temperature fluctuations, but they do need consistent watering and feeding to keep producing flowers. If you’re looking to fill out a garden bed or create a bright border, floribundas will deliver continuous color with less fuss.

Grandiflora Roses

Grandiflora roses give you the best of both worlds, the refined shape of hybrid tea roses and the abundant blooms of floribundas. They grow tall and produce clusters of large, showy flowers on long stems, which makes them perfect for cutting or creating a striking focal point in your garden.

Because of their height and spreading habit, they need plenty of room and strong sunlight to thrive. They’re well-suited for moderate climates but can handle colder weather with proper winter care, like mulching around the base and tying the canes to prevent wind damage. If you’re looking for roses that make a statement and deliver consistent blooms, grandifloras are a perfect choice.

Climbing Roses

Climbing roses bring a vertical element to your garden, turning fences, trellises, and walls into striking floral displays. They don’t actually "climb" like vines, instead, they grow long canes that can be trained horizontally or vertically.

Training the canes horizontally encourages more blooms since roses tend to flower on new growth. To keep them looking their best, climbing roses need strong support and regular pruning to maintain their shape and encourage healthy new canes. They thrive in full sun with good airflow, which helps prevent disease. Surprisingly tough, climbing roses can handle both intense summer heat and freezing winter temperatures when properly cared for. If you have a bare trellis or arch, climbing roses will cover it in cascading blooms before you know it.

Miniature Roses

Miniature roses pack the charm of full-sized roses into a smaller package. They’re perfect for container gardening, patios, and small spaces. Despite their size, miniature roses are hardy and can handle the same growing conditions as larger roses, plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and consistent watering. They bloom repeatedly throughout the season and are surprisingly low-maintenance once established.

Shrub Roses

Shrub roses are the backbone of a low-maintenance garden. They’re tough, naturally resistant to disease, and incredibly easy to care for, which makes them perfect for mass plantings or creating informal hedges. Shrub roses bloom in large clusters and often have a strong fragrance. They handle a wide range of climates and soil conditions, thriving even with minimal attention. Most shrub roses are self-cleaning, meaning you don’t need to deadhead them frequently to encourage new blooms. If you want reliable color without the effort of constant pruning and feeding, shrub roses are a solid choice.

When and Where to Plant Your Roses

Spring is by far the best time to plant roses, ideally immediately after the last frost of the season. This timing gives your roses the maximum amount of time to establish their roots and prepare for the summer months ahead. When planting in spring, the soil is warm enough to encourage healthy root development, and the likelihood of frost damage to tender new growth diminishes significantly.

In regions with very mild winters, roses can also be planted in late autumn, roughly 4 weeks before the first expected frost, allowing roots to establish during the cooler months. However, in colder climates, planting roses in autumn can pose risks, as harsh winter conditions might damage young roots before they have a chance to grow strong.

Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Roses

Roses need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to flourish and produce abundant, healthy blooms. Areas with morning sun are particularly beneficial, as the early sunlight quickly dries morning dew, reducing the risk of plant diseases like powdery mildew and black spot. Adequate sunlight not only boosts blooming but strengthens overall plant health, making roses resilient against garden pests and common rose diseases.

Preparing Your Garden Soil for Thriving Roses

Healthy roses start with healthy soil. A good starting point is to enrich your garden soil with organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or leaf mold. These natural amendments improve the soil’s structure, increase its water-holding capacity, and introduce beneficial microbes that support root health. Adding bone meal at planting time boosts phosphorus levels, which promotes strong root development and vibrant blooms. To further support healthy growth, Epsom salts provide magnesium, helping to deepen the rich green color of rose foliage and strengthen the overall plant.

If your garden soil tends to hold too much water, consider planting roses in raised beds to improve drainage. Raised beds allow you to control the soil composition more easily and prevent issues like root rot. Mixing in coarse sand or perlite can also help loosen dense soil and improve airflow around the roots. Testing your soil’s pH is helpful too, roses thrive in slightly acidic conditions, ideally between 6.0 and 6.5. If the pH is too high, adding organic matter like peat moss or composted pine bark can help bring it into balance.

Proven Techniques for Planting Roses Correctly

When it’s time to plant your roses, the technique matters just as much as the timing. If you're planting bare-root roses, soak them in a bucket of water for several hours before planting to rehydrate the roots. For container-grown roses, gently loosen the roots before planting to help them establish more easily in the soil. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the rose’s root ball. This allows the roots to spread out comfortably and prevents compaction.

Position the graft union (the swollen area where the rootstock meets the stem) 2 inches below the soil surface if you live in colder climates. This helps protect the graft from freezing temperatures. Backfill the hole with a mixture of your garden soil and compost, gently firming the soil around the roots to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and provide moisture for early root development.

Watering and Feeding Roses for Optimal Growth

Roses need consistent watering to thrive. Deep watering once or twice a week is ideal, as it encourages strong root growth and helps the plant withstand heat and stress. Water early in the morning at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew. To keep your roses blooming throughout the season, feed them every 4 to 6 weeks with a balanced rose fertilizer. An organic fertilizer is best, as it supports both healthy growth and soil health.

Tips for Pruning and Deadheading Roses

Pruning is one of the most important steps in maintaining healthy roses and encouraging continuous blooms. Early spring is the best time to prune your roses, just as new growth begins to emerge. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. These can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases. Focus on creating an open structure by cutting out crossing or inward-facing branches. This improves airflow around the plant, reducing the chance of fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew.

When cutting, aim to make clean cuts just above an outward-facing bud. This encourages the plant to grow outward rather than becoming compacted in the center. A sharp pair of pruning shears will make the job easier and cleaner. After pruning, apply a balanced rose fertilizer to give your plants the nutrients they need for a strong start to the growing season.

Deadheading is equally important for encouraging repeat blooms. Once a flower begins to fade, cut it back to just above the first set of five leaves. This signals the plant to produce more flowers rather than going to seed. Consistent deadheading throughout the growing season helps maintain a continuous flush of flowers and prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production.

Controlling Common Rose Pests and Diseases

No matter how well you care for your roses, pests and diseases can still make an appearance. The good news is that most rose issues can be handled naturally with the right care and treatment. A strong, well-maintained rose is naturally more resistant to problems, but even healthy roses need a little help sometimes.

That’s where Lost Coast Plant Therapy comes in. Our Natural Plant Wash is specially formulated to control pests and fungal issues without disrupting the delicate balance of your garden’s ecosystem. Let’s walk through the most common rose problems and how to manage them naturally.

Black Spot

Black spot is one of the most frustrating problems for rose growers. It appears as dark blotches on leaves, often surrounded by a yellow halo, and thrives in humid conditions. Good airflow and watering at the base of the plant (rather than on the leaves) help prevent black spot. If black spot appears, remove the affected leaves and apply Lost Coast Plant Therapy. Its natural ingredients disrupt the fungal spores ability to spread without damaging the plant even during flowering, but powerful enough to stop black spot from taking over your rose bush.

Rust

Rust shows up as orange or reddish-brown spots on the undersides of leaves. It thrives in mild, moist conditions, especially in early spring and late summer. Removing affected leaves, improving overall plant health and applying our Natural Plant Protector can help prevent rust from spreading.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew looks like a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems, especially in warm, dry weather with cool nights. Increasing airflow around the plant and watering early in the morning can reduce the risk. If mildew appears, apply Lost Coast Plant Therapy thoroughly, making sure to coat all surfaces. It creates an environment where mildew spores can't develop, helping the plant recover without leaf damage.

Aphids and Spider Mites

Aphids and spider mites can weaken a rose bush by feeding on new growth and causing leaves to curl and yellow. If you spot a few aphids or webbing from spider mites, act quickly by applying Lost Coast Plant Therapy before they multiply.

Thrips

Thrips can be tricky to deal with because they hide deep within the petals and buds, making them hard to spot until the damage is already done. They're also especially drawn to light-colored roses, and if left unchecked, they can cause serious damage during the peak growing season.

Lost Coast Plant Therapy helps manage thrips by coating the surface of the petals and foliage, disrupting their feeding cycle and making the plant less attractive to the pests. Applying our Natural Plant Protector regularly helps keep thrips at bay without damaging the blooms or altering the natural fragrance of the rose.

Companion Planting: Natural Allies for Healthy Roses

Roses thrive with a little help from the right plant neighbors. Companion planting not only enhances the health and beauty of your roses but also creates a balanced garden ecosystem that naturally wards off pests and supports healthy growth. The right companions can improve soil quality, attract pollinators, and help keep common rose pests in check, all without relying on chemicals.

Garlic and chives are among the best natural defenders for roses. Garlic’s sulfur compounds naturally repel pests like aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles while enriching the soil as it decomposes. Chives work similarly by releasing a mild scent that pests dislike while also boosting the health of nearby plants. Marigolds, with their strong scent, confuse pests and their roots release compounds that protect against harmful nematodes. Lastly, lavender is the perfect finishing touch, attracting bees and butterflies for better pollination while naturally repelling whiteflies and mosquitoes.

Plants to Avoid Near Roses

Not all plants make good rose companions. Heavy feeders like tomatoes and peppers compete with roses for nutrients and moisture, weakening both plants over time. Mint, while useful in the kitchen, has an aggressive root system that can choke out roses and other nearby plants. Also, avoid planting roses near plants that require drastically different growing conditions, like shade-loving ferns or moisture-hungry vegetables.

Keeping the area around the base of the plant clear of invasive species and weeds is essential. Weeds not only steal nutrients but also create hiding spots for pests like aphids. A well-maintained garden bed ensures that your roses and their companions can thrive without competition.

Protecting Roses through the Coldest Winters

Winter can be hard on roses, especially in areas with freezing temperatures and frost. Roses go dormant in winter, which means they slow down growth to conserve energy. Your job is to help them survive this period of rest without stress or damage.

Start preparing them for winter in late autumn by stopping fertilization. Continued feeding encourages new growth, which is vulnerable to frost damage. As the weather cools, roses need to shift their focus from growing to resting, and cutting off fertilizer signals that it’s time to slow down and prepare for dormancy.

Pruning should be minimal in the fall. Cut back any dead or damaged stems and remove any leaves that have fallen to the ground. Cleaning up fallen leaves helps prevent pests and fungal spores from taking hold over winter.

Mulching to Protect the Roots

Mulch is your best friend when it comes to winter protection. Once the ground starts to freeze, apply a thick layer of organic mulch, about 3 to 4 inches, around the base of the plant. Shredded leaves, pine needles, straw, and bark all work well. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature and keeps moisture levels stable, which prevents root stress.

For added insulation, mound soil up around the graft union to protect the most vulnerable part of the plant from frost damage. Once spring returns, you can gently remove the soil mound and refresh the mulch for the growing season.

Protecting Climbing Roses

Climbing roses need extra care during winter because their long canes are more exposed to the elements. After tying the canes together, wrap them in burlap or frost cloth to protect them from ice and wind damage. If you’re in an area with harsh winters, consider covering the base of the plant with straw or extra mulch for added protection.

Winter Care for Potted Roses

Potted roses are more vulnerable to winter damage because their roots are exposed to colder temperatures. Move them to a sheltered spot, such as a garage, basement, or covered porch. If you’re leaving them outdoors, place them against a wall or fence to shield them from wind.

Also, make sure the pot has proper drainage, waterlogged soil can freeze and damage the roots. During dormancy, roses need less water, but they still need some moisture. Check the soil every few weeks and water lightly if it feels dry.

Bringing Roses Back in the Spring

Once the last frost has passed and the weather starts to warm, gradually remove winter coverings and refresh the mulch. Start watering regularly and apply a balanced rose fertilizer to encourage new growth. Prune away any winter damage, and your roses will be ready for a fresh growing season.

Propagating Roses: Simple Techniques That Work

Growing new roses from cuttings is one of the most satisfying ways to expand your garden. There’s something rewarding about taking a cutting from a favorite rose and watching it grow into a thriving plant. The good news? Propagating roses isn’t as tricky as it sounds, once you understand a few basic techniques, you can create new rose bushes without needing to buy new plants every season.

How to Grow Roses from Cuttings

The most reliable way to propagate roses is through cuttings. Start by taking a healthy stem from a rose that has just finished blooming. It should be about 6 to 8 inches long with at least three sets of leaves. Use sharp pruning shears to make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node, this increases the surface area for root development. Remove the lower leaves and any buds or flowers, so the cutting focuses on growing roots instead of maintaining foliage.

Next, dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage faster root growth, a mix of honey and cinnamon works surprisingly well. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil, a mix of potting soil, perlite, and compost is ideal. Push the cutting about 2 inches into the soil, ensuring at least one node is buried. Water well to settle the soil, and place the pot in a warm, bright spot with indirect sunlight.

Humidity is key during the early stages of propagation. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag or dome to create a mini greenhouse effect, but make sure the plastic isn’t touching the leaves as excess moisture can cause rot. Ventilate every few days to prevent mold. After about 4 to 6 weeks, you should see new growth at the top, which means the cutting has rooted successfully.

Growing Roses in Water

If you’re not sure about soil propagation, water propagation is a simple alternative. It’s also a great way to observe root development up close, making it easier to know when the cutting is ready to transplant. Take a healthy cutting, prepare it the same way as you would for soil propagation, and place it in a glass of room-temperature water. Make sure the bottom of the stem is submerged, but keep the leaves above the waterline.

Change the water every 2 to 3 days to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial growth. Place the glass in a spot with bright, indirect light because direct sun can heat the water and stress the cutting. After 3 to 4 weeks, you’ll start to see small roots forming. Once the roots are about an inch long, carefully transplant the cutting into a pot and keep the soil moist during the transition period.

The Potato Method (Yes, It Works!)

The idea of growing roses in a potato might sound strange, but it’s surprisingly effective. The potato acts as a moisture reservoir, keeping the cutting hydrated while providing nutrients to encourage root development.

To try this method, cut a hole in a raw potato just wide enough to hold the base of your cutting. Prepare the cutting as you would for other methods, dip the cut end in rooting hormone (mix of honey and cinnamon, you can even add aloe gel), then insert it into the potato. Plant the whole potato directly into a pot or in the ground, covering it with soil so that the cutting is just above the surface.

The potato helps maintain moisture levels while protecting the cutting from drying out. Water regularly, and within a few weeks, you should see new growth at the top of the cutting. Once the roots are established, you can carefully remove the potato or let it naturally decompose in the soil.

Layering and Division for More Established Roses

For shrub and climbing roses, layering and division are effective propagation methods. For layering, select a healthy, flexible cane and bend it toward the ground. Make a small incision on the underside of the cane and bury that section in soil while leaving the tip exposed. Over time, roots will develop at the incision site. Once the new plant is strong enough, cut it from the parent plant and transplant it elsewhere in the garden.

Division works well for mature shrub roses. Carefully dig up the rose and separate the root ball into two or more sections, ensuring each has healthy roots and stems. Replant the divisions immediately and water well to help them establish. This method is best done in early spring or fall when the plant is not in full bloom.

Conclusion

There’s a special kind of pride that comes from growing roses naturally. Choosing to avoid harsh chemicals and synthetic fertilizers means you’re working with nature rather than against it. Roses grown in rich, healthy soil with proper sunlight and natural care will always have deeper vibrancy and a more captivating fragrance than those grown with chemical-heavy products. Lost Coast Plant Therapy makes it easy to care for your roses without compromising your commitment to sustainable gardening. Our Natural Plant Protector helps control pests and fungal diseases without harming bees, ladybugs and praying mantises or disrupting the natural balance of your garden when used as directed.

Whether you’re planting a single potted rose on your balcony or creating a sprawling rose garden filled with fragrant shrub roses, every bloom reflects your care and attention. Roses are generous plants, they give back what you put into them. With a little patience, the right techniques, and natural support from Lost Coast Plant Therapy, you’ll have a garden full of healthy, beautiful roses that thrive season after season.

FAQ's

How often should I water my roses?

 Water your roses deeply about once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. If the soil feels dry a few inches down, it’s time to water. Focus on watering at the base of the plant rather than spraying the leaves, as wet foliage can encourage fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew. For roses grown in pots, check the moisture levels more frequently since soil in containers dries out faster than in the ground. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

How should I prune roses to keep them healthy and blooming? 

Pruning roses is essential for maintaining their shape, encouraging strong growth, and promoting more blooms. Prune roses in early spring before new growth appears, cutting back dead or damaged wood and shaping the plant to improve airflow. When pruning, always cut the stems at a 45-degree angle, just above an outward-facing bud to prevent compacted growth. Removing faded flowers (deadheading) encourages the plant to make more blooms throughout the season. For climbing roses, train the canes horizontally to increase the number of flowering shoots. If you’re pruning shrub roses, keep the center of the plant open to allow for better airflow and disease prevention.

What’s the best way to propagate roses from cuttings? 

Propagating roses from cuttings is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to grow roses. Start by selecting a healthy stem that’s about 6 to 8 inches long and has several sets of leaves. Cut the stem just below a leaf node at a 45-degree angle, and remove any flowers or buds. You can plant the rose cutting directly into a container with well-draining soil or try growing it in a glass of water. If you choose the water method, make sure to change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth. After 3 to 4 weeks, you should see roots forming at the end of the stem. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can transplant the cutting into soil.

Can I grow roses in pots or containers?

 Yes, roses can be planted in pots and containers as long as the container has good drainage. Make sure the pot has holes in the bottom to allow excess water to escape, as roses dislike sitting in waterlogged soil. Use high-quality potting soil mixed with compost to give the rose the nutrients it needs. Container roses need more frequent watering than roses planted in the ground since soil in pots dries out more quickly.

How can I protect my roses from pests and diseases naturally? 

Keeping roses healthy starts with good garden hygiene and proper care. Remove fallen leaves and spent flowers to prevent pests and fungal spores from taking hold. If you notice pests like aphids or spider mites, you can spray the plant with a natural garden pest control solution like Lost Coast Plant Therapy, which controls pests and diseases without harming beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs.

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