Giving roses water in September is the key to keeping them healthy through autumn and winter, according to experts at Peter Beales Roses. While feeding may seem tempting as flowers fade and temperatures drop, watering is what roses need most.
Why September watering matters
Gardeners should keep watering roses to support late flowers and prevent roots from drying out, the pros at Peter Beales Roses advise. They said: “Some people think that they don’t need to water their roses throughout September, but it is just as important as through the summer, especially after the droughts we have had this summer.”
Watering in September encourages the plant to “produce another flush of blooms” and stops hips from drying out and dropping too early. When roses are in optimum condition, they also have more natural resistance to pests and diseases. Whether potted, planted or bare-root, keeping roses well watered is essential.
How to water roses properly
The key point is to water the soil and roots, not the leaves and shoots. Aim underneath the canopy to avoid getting too much water on the plant’s growth. Water can cause scorching on leaves, especially in summer heat, damage blooms, encourage fungal issues like blackspot, and wash away any feed or pest control applied.
How much water and other care
There is no exact amount of water needed. As long as the pot or soil is free-draining, it is difficult to overwater roses. It is recommended to water potted and newly planted roses every day, then twice a week for established garden roses.
Besides watering, roses benefit from deadheading in September. Deadheading allows the plant to put energy into new growth and increases the chance of another bloom before winter. September is also ideal for training new growth around trellises, archways or structures, letting it settle before cold weather arrives.
