How to Make Rose Bushes Bloom

When all is right in the world of rose bushes, they will thank you by blooming. If they do not bloom, they are telling you that something is wrong: with their setting, with what you are doing or with the rose bushes themselves. Before selecting a rose bush for your garden, learn about the basic needs of roses and meet them. They do not ask for very much, but they are rather particular, prima donnas in a sense, so handle them accordingly.

Things You'll Need

Only if planting:
Rose bush(es)
Planting tools
Irrigation drip system (optional)

Fertilizer such as Bayer Systemic
Water hose
Garden shears

Instructions

- 1
  Start by planting rose bushes where they will receive a guaranteed six or more hours of daily sunshine, because roses respond very well to heat. They will reward you with an abundance of buds and flowers.
- 2
  Do not plant rose bushes too close to each other because they thrive and bloom when they have good air circulation. Allow at least 6 inches to 1 foot of space between a rose bush and any other plant in the vicinity, or between the rose bush and the fence. Read the description that accompanies the rose bush and note the estimated final size before planting it.
- 3
  Don't over water rose bushes by saturating the soil around them--no fire hose watering for roses, ever. They will not do well if their roots are sitting in too much water. An irrigation drip system is the ideal way to water roses because the amount of water is measured and seeps gradually into the soil. Alternatively, use the water hose sparingly, and also avoid watering the leaves.
- 4
  Fertilize rose bushes on a regular basis to encourage blooms. A slow-release fertilizer like Bayer Systemic also protects against insect infestation. Read the instructions on the fertilizer container because they provide specific information about how frequently to fertilize as well as the correct quantity of fertilizer to use.
- 5
  
  Cut off spent roses by their stems at the points where there are clusters of 5 leaves as opposed to the points where there are clusters of just 3 or fewer leaves. Cut just above the joint. This will stimulate growth of more buds and flowers.

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Growing Roses