How to Fertilize a Sally Holmes Rose Bush

Sally Holmes is a rose cultivar known for its large clusters of white, fragrant flowers that are reminiscent of white hydrangeas. It is a compact bush that, at mature height, can reach 6 to 12 feet tall. It also can be trained to climb a trellis or wall. If properly cared for -- which includes adopting a good fertilizing schedule -- a Sally Holmes rose bush blooms reliably from spring until fall. Fertilize the rose bushes after the last frost in the spring.

Rose fertilizer or 12-12-12 fertilizer
Rake, garden fork or three-prong weeding tool
Garden hose

Instructions

- 1
  Sprinkle the directed amount of rose fertilizer, found on the label, around the base of each rose bush and evenly spread it out under the entire canopy. You can also use 1/4 cup of balanced fertilizer, such as 12-12-12, per plant. Then, use a rake, garden fork or three-prong weeding tool to lightly scratch the fertilizer into the soil without disturbing the roots.
- 2
  Water the rose bushes with approximately 1 inch of water near the base of the plants rather from overhead; overhead watering promotes foliar diseases. Water helps settle the fertilizer into the soil.
- 3
  Fertilize repeat blooming roses, such as Sally Holmes, every four to six weeks until early August, recommends University of Kentucky.

Repotting My Miniature Roses

How to Prune Rosa Ballerina

Growing Roses