As summer begins to wind down, roses still have plenty of growing left to do. August is a good time to start preparing your rose garden for the changes that come with fall. For those in the Pacific Northwest, the days are still warm, but the nights may begin to cool down a little. Taking care of your roses now will help them stay strong and ready for the months ahead.
One important task is to continue watering deeply. Even though it might rain more often in some places, it’s important to make sure your roses are still getting enough water. We water two plants at once with the hose in-between them for five minutes at a time. A good, deep soak once or twice a week helps the roots grow deep and strong. This also helps roses survive better when the weather turns cold.
You should also keep deadheading your roses in August. This means cutting off the old, faded flowers so the plant doesn’t try to make seeds. When you deadhead, your rose bush focuses its energy on making more blooms instead of rose hips. But remember, in about a month, you’ll stop deadheading so the plant can start getting ready for winter.
Fertilizing should slow down in August. If you’ve been feeding your roses all summer, now is the time to give them their final dose of fertilizer. If you are in the Pacific Northwest, you can give your last (non-nitrogen) dose the first week of September as most roses keep blooming through October. This helps them finish blooming strong, but doesn’t encourage too much new growth that would be harmed by the cold.
Look out for pests and diseases like black spot or mildew, which can still be a problem in August. Check your plants regularly and remove any bad leaves. You can use a natural spray if needed to keep your roses healthy.
By taking care of your roses in late summer, you’re helping them have a strong finish to the season. This sets them up for an easier time as fall approaches and winter begins to come closer.