SELECTION
You can grow beautiful roses in Vermont! Most of the shrub roses we carry are very hardy, so selections of these depends mainly upon the size of the plant and color of blooms. Many floribunda roses and most hybrid tea roses are more tender than the shrub roses and require more careful siting and winter protection. Even with excellent summer care and good winter protection you should know that the hybrid teas are a risk in our area. Even so, many people find that the larger, colorful, more fragrant hybrid tea roses are well worth the risk. If you're unsure which roses are best for you, a member of our staff will be happy to assist you.

LOCATION
Most roses should be situated in full sun; 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Find a spot sheltered from harsh winter winds, but with good air circulation. Make sure drainage is good and that there's enough space to avoid competing roots of trees and shrubs.

PLANTING
Put a shoverfull of soil mix in the hole. Remove rose from container and position so that plant's bud union is 2" below ground level. Backfill with soil mix to within 1-2" of ground level. Water-in well with a slow trickle over a long period of time.

WATERING
Water the soil, not the leaves, wet leaves invite problems. A slow, deep soaking 2 times a week when weather is dry, is best. Mulch 2" deep to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

FEEDING
Fertilize 3 times during the growing season- once when the new growth is 1" long, following the first blooms, and in mid-August . We recommend Espoma Rose Tone, Miracle -Gro for Roses, Bonide Systemic Rose & Flower Care, or Bayer 2 in 1 Systemic Rose & Flower Care. The systemic rose care fertilizer / insecticides listed above can be used as a preventative every 6 weeks. Also effective are Ortho Rose Pride , Orthenix Insect & Disease Control, Bayer Rose & Flower Insect Killer and Safer Rose & Flower insect KIller.

PRUNING
Prune for health, shape, and to promote flowering. In spring, remove dead or distressed canes, as well as straggly, weak, broken, or crossed stems. During the growing season, cut back faded flower stems to the first 5- leaf stem. When pruning, use sharp shears and cut at a slant. In fall, after frost, remove bushy top growth to prevent winter damage.

WINTER PROTECTION
The best winter protection is summer care. Healthy roses are hardier roses. Mound up topsoil around the canes to 10-12". Avoid using peat moss or leaves which retain moisture and encourage rodents.

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