A rose in any other climate isn't as hard to maintain

Juanita Sisco planted seven healthy roses bushes on July 6. She bought them at a local garden center, and only two are thriving. She wonders if too much rain could be the problem.

It certainly could be. But, while addressing that problem, I'll also run through the basic requirements for growing roses in this area.

When choosing a rose bush, make sure the stock is one that will flourish in Florida. Choose a site that receives at least six hours of sun a day. Morning sun is the best. Purchase bushes from a local garden center, nursery or order through a catalog.

Often, those serious about growing roses will do so in raised beds. This gives you more control over the soil and the moisture.

Raised beds can be constructed from cinder blocks, timbers or blocks made for retaining walls. Amend the soil with lots of organic material, some peat and some sand.

Roses do not like their roots to remain soaked. So with our summer rains, if you don't have your roses planted in a well-draining soil, you're in trouble before you begin. If your roses are planted in an area that does not drain well, it will be a constant battle to grow quality roses. Roses can survive our rainy summers, but not if the soil is constantly waterlogged.

Roses tend to grow taller here than in the north since they are rarely winter-killed. Prune dead wood any time, saving the major pruning for January or February, even if the plants are not dormant. My miniature roses and one floribunda suffered greatly when I was away earlier in the summer. Just a week ago I pruned them severely. They are all sending up new growth and I would expect blooms before the summer is over.

Pests and disease can be a major problem here. A strong spray of water at least a couple times a week can minimize pests. Spray with water in the morning so the foliage has time to dry before nightfall. Disease can hit our rose bushes at any time of the year, but late summer seems to be the worst in my yard. You may need to spray with a fungicide.

Mulch will help keep the soil moist and a bit cooler, but make sure the mulch is pulled away from the main stem. This will lessen the chances of rot. Fertilize a couple times a week during the spring and summer. Use a water-soluble type. If using a pump sprayer or hose end sprayer, you can spray the bugs off the leaves at the same time you are fertilizing.

I've had luck growing roses in containers. It is easier to control the soil quality, fertilizer schedule, and watering regime. The pots do dry out quickly and usually must be watered every day unless it rains.

Roses can be a challenge. So if you want color in your garden with less hassle, consider planting annuals or perennials. Try these annuals: coleus, impatiens, marigold, ornamental pepper, portulaca, salvia, vinca, wax begonia or zinnia. For a more permanent addition these perennials can be planted now: African iris, blus salvia, butterfly weed, chrysanthemum, gloriosa dragon, four o' clock, pentas, ruellia or verbena.

To add edibles to your landscape, try pole beans, broccoli, celery, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, onions, pepper, pumpkin, Southern peas, summer squash, turnips or watermelon. You don't need an area in your yard that is designated just for vegetables. Tuck a few crops among the shrubs and flowers in your landscape. You may be surprised at the great results. Don't forget to add a few herbs. Try basil, ginger, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme. They add a nice touch both to your garden and to your cooking.

Here's a list of chores that may need attending to in your garden: add organic matter to garden soil, fumigate or solarize soil for the fall vegetable garden, plant vegetable seeds, spray roses for black spot disease, fertilize outdoor potted plants, fertilize muscadine grapes after the harvest, watch for and treat if necessary for turf insects, groom roses to enhance blooms, prune poinsettias for the last time this year, plant palms, remove spent flowers, apply magnesium sulfate (Epson salts) to palms, and plan for your fall garden.

If the hot weather keeps you inside, try just a few minutes in the morning and a few more in the evening. Just 20 or 30 minutes each day will keep your garden in shape.

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