Golden Zest Shrub Rose Care

Light, Soil and Water

• Golden Zest grows best in rich, loamy, well-draining soil and in full sunlight, which will encourage it to produce more blooms. They thrive if the soil is kept evenly moist all summer long, so establish a regular watering program that will keep the soil moist, but not overly soggy. Too-wet soil can lead to fungal diseases. Water at the soil level to avoid wetting the foliage because water that is left sitting on the leaves can lead to leaf spot diseases. In general, water when the first inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch.

Mulch and Fertilizing

• Mulch is an effective way to stifle weed growth, keep the soil moist and protect your shrub rose from cold winter temperatures. Surround your rose with a 3- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch. Do not let it touch the stem -- keep it about 6 inches away to give you a space to water. Roses also grow best when adequately fed. Fertilize your rose with a fertilizer formulated for roses (one greater in phosphorus) as soon as all danger of frost is past. Follow the directions on the package according to the size and age of your Golden Zest rose. Apply fertilizer about every six weeks, but stop at the beginning of August so that your rose bush can harden off (toughen up) for winter.

Pruning

• Shrub roses must be deadheaded and pruned to look their best. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) encourages a rose bush to continue blooming. As an added bonus, Golden Zest roses are long-lasting and fragrant cut flowers. Cut the roses at an angle with sharp pruning shears, just above a set of five or seven leaves. Modern shrub roses like Golden Zest should also be shaped in early spring. Entirely remove a third of the oldest canes. Cut them off at ground level. This step will thin out the plant and open it to more sunlight. Then, look for the newest canes. Set aside about a third of those with your eyes, or mark them with bright yarn. Remove all of the rest of the canes, including all dead or dying canes. This pruning is severe but your bush will bloom even healthier and stronger.

Winterizing, Pests and Diseases

• Shrub roses are cold-hardy, but they still grow better if protected from very cold temperatures. In the fall, mound soil or compost up around your plant to a depth of about 12 inches. Frequently inspect your roses for insect pests, especially aphids, which can destroy buds before they even open. Spray your rose with an insecticide in early spring and repeat as needed. Fungal diseases are also a problem with roses. An application of fungicide in the spring can help, but also make sure your roses get plenty of air circulation and sunlight. In addition, keep the ground underneath them free of dropped leaves, where fungi can harbor and overwinter.