June is the Month for Roses
June truly is the month for roses. With perfect growing conditions at this time of year—warm days and just the right amount of moisture—roses across the country are putting on some of their best displays in years. Whether you’re strolling through a garden or tending your own borders, there’s no denying the stunning impact of these timeless plants.
Roses offer remarkable value. Once established, they return year after year with very little fuss. Most varieties are easy to maintain, generally resistant to pests and disease, and reward gardeners with an extended season of colour, scent, and beauty. When you compare the cost of a rose bush with the years of enjoyment it provides, it’s clear they’re a fantastic return on your investment.
Tips for Keeping Roses Blooming All Summer
If you have a few minutes to spare in the garden, deadheading your roses is one of the best ways to prolong their flowering season. Removing spent blooms encourages the plant to produce a second flush of flowers later in the summer. It’s a small job that pays off handsomely in extra weeks of colour.
During dry spells, make sure your roses are well watered—give them a good soak at the roots rather than a light sprinkle. This helps maintain strong, healthy growth and supports further flowering.
To feed your roses, a high-potash feed such as liquid tomato fertilizer works wonderfully, promoting both flowers and healthy foliage. You can also apply a granular rose fertilizer such as Top Rose, which is specially formulated for long-term rose care and can be applied earlier in the season to boost performance.
Watch Out for Suckers
If you’re growing budded roses (where the desired rose is grafted onto a different rootstock), keep an eye out for suckers. These are vigorous shoots that grow from the rootstock, usually appearing low down on the plant or even from beneath the soil.
Suckers should not be pruned in the usual way. Instead, trace the shoot back to where it emerges from the main stem and gently tear it off by pushing it down and sideways with your thumb. This method removes the bud at its base and discourages regrowth. If you simply cut it, the sucker will likely send up even more shoots from the same spot.
Learn More with Our GardenAdvice One Day Course
If you’d like to deepen your gardening knowledge, including how to care for and propagate roses, consider joining our GardenAdvice One Day Garden Course. It’s a hands-on experience tailored to your own garden, covering everything from rose care and pruning to planting and seasonal tasks. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refresh your skills, it’s the perfect opportunity to learn directly from our gardening experts.For more information, visit GardenAdvice.co.uk and discover how we can help you make the most of your garden—roses and all.
