Gardeners who water their roses from above in July risk damaging the plants and reducing blooms, according to experts at April and Ashley, a florist. The common mistake of overhead watering can lead to fungal diseases such as black spot, powdery mildew, and rust, which may cause roses to wilt or stop flowering.
The Peak Season for Roses
Early July is typically the peak flowering period for roses in the UK. After weeks of warm weather, many areas have become overcast and wet, creating ideal conditions for fungal spores to thrive. Roses are resilient, but they are more prone to disease when moisture lingers on foliage.
The Right Way to Water
April and Ashley recommend watering roses with about 3-5 gallons per week, but the method matters. They advise: "Overhead watering can cause excess moisture buildup on the foliage, leading to fungal infection. Protect your roses from disease by watering at the base of the plant instead of from above." This approach ensures roots get the water they need without leaving leaves damp.
Why Overhead Watering Harms
Fungal spores require moisture to germinate. When activated, they consume the plant, potentially stopping growth, causing bloom loss, or even killing the rose. Additionally, overhead watering is inefficient because much of the water evaporates before reaching the roots. Keeping roots hydrated helps roses stay cool during heatwaves and encourages deeper root growth, which improves water retention and bloom quality.
Practical Tips for Healthy Roses
Direct watering cans or hosepipes toward the ground around the base of roses, watering two to three times weekly. If using a sprinkler, run it early in the morning so plants dry before midday heat. Avoid afternoon watering due to evaporation, and skip evening watering as cool, damp conditions raise disease risk.
By watering correctly, gardeners can keep roses flowering abundantly all summer while preventing fungal diseases from taking hold.
