How to Get New Dawn Roses to Bloom Longer

Site New Dawn in full sun in rich soil that is moist but well-drained. New Dawn tolerates light shade, particularly in the afternoon, but flowering is diminished. If planted where it's shaded by deciduous trees, New Dawn will have an abundant spring display but may not re-bloom later in the summer.

Space multiple New Dawn plants 12 feet apart. New Dawn is a large climber, growing 15 to 20 feet tall and at least 10 feet wide. Spacing the roses at least 12 feet apart ensures that the roses have adequate air circulation to discourage fungal diseases.

Provide a strong support, such as a wall or sturdy trellis. Although individual stems are thin and flexible, the bulk of this large plant makes it too heavy for flimsy supports. Tie the stems to the support at frequent intervals with string or another soft material, such as pieces of old pantyhose.

Fertilize New Dawn in early spring with a fertilizer formulated for roses. Fertilize again after the first flush of flowers have finished, and again after each flush of flowers. Stop fertilizing the rose six weeks before the first expected frost date in your area, so that all new growth has time to harden off properly before cold weather arrives.

Water often enough that the soil stays moist but not soggy. Fewer, deeper soakings are preferable to frequent, shallow waterings. Avoid overhead sprinklers if you live in a humid area, as fungal diseases are more likely to infect wet foliage. Allowing the rose to dry enough that it wilts will inhibit the formation of new flower buds.

Spread 2 to 3 inches of an organic mulch over the root zone, both to discourage weeds and to conserve moisture. Keep the mulch several inches away from the canes.

Remove spent flowers to encourage re-blooming. This is especially tedious in the spring, when New Dawn produces what seems like millions of flowers, but deadheading is essential for re-bloom. Be sure to clear away all dropped flowers from underneath the rose.

Inspect your rose frequently for signs of insects and disease. Aphids are a common pest in the spring and will quickly ruin rose buds. Light infestations can be washed off with a strong stream of water but heavy infestations of aphids or other insects require a regular insecticide spraying program. Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and black spot should be treated with a fungicide.

Prune the rose, if necessary, after the first flush of flowers, as the spring display is produced on canes grown the previous summer. Prune out dead or diseased canes whenever found.