Caring for Roses

by Kathleen Mahar

Picture Taken by Kathleen

One of the most popular flowers is the rose. The rose is given to people to signify love, friendship, or many other things. But planting and caring for your own rose garden can be a difficult task. In the following article I will give many tips on caring for roses.

Bare root rose plants should be planted only in the spring or fall. The roses should be placed into a bucket of water for 24 hours. Then you need to cut off any dead or damaged roots. Next you will need to dig a hole large enough for the plant to go in, fill the hole 3/4 full with soil and fill the rest with water.

After the roses start to grow you will need to begin pruning. Start pruning by getting rid of all dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Also, remove the dead leaves and petals.

You should start fertilizing in the spring when the flower buds begin to swell and again in the middle of August to prepare for the winter season.

Picture Taken by Kathleen

Caring for Roses in the Winter

To care for your rose bushes during the winter you need to start by fertilizing in the middle of August. Then you will need to begin preparations to take care of the roses graft union, the small bulge at the base of the plant. To protect them place a large amount of topsoil at the base of the plant.

During the winter you should only water your rose plant if the temperature is above freezing. Take a watering can or a hose and water the bush and the base completely. This should be done every four to five weeks.

Only prune the branches when needed. If there is a branch whipping around in the wind cut it.

To help keep your roses healthy and the pests out put a drop of school or wood glue on the spot where you pruned. This helps keep the moisture in and the rose cane borers out.
 
 

History of the Rose

Flora, the goddess of flowers, was walking through the woods one day when she came upon a beautiful girls dead body. Flora was sad to see this beautiful girl dead so she decided to make her into a beautiful flower.

Flora called on all the gods of Olympia to help her. Her husband Zephyrus, the west wind, blew away all the clouds so Apollo, the sun, could bless the dead girl. Aphrodite gave beauty and the three graces (brilliance, joy, and charm) to the new flower. Dionysus, the god of wine, gave fragrance and nectar. After they all completed their tasks they admired their new beautiful flower. Flora, then gathered dew drops and gave the new flower life.

Aphrodite gave the new flower its name, she named the flower after her son Eros, the god of Love. Flora presented the flower to Eros and hoped that it would always be the choice of lovers and the flower of romance.

Eros, gave the rose to Harpocrates, the god of silence to bribe him to conceal the weaknesses of the gods. The rose then became the symbol of silence and secrecy as well as love. Throughout the ancient times, a rose was attached to the ceiling of council chambers, meeting rooms, and confessionals to show that everyone their was sworn to secrecy.

Meanings of Roses

Red - Love, Respect
Pink - Perfect Happiness, Grace and Joy, Please Believe Me
Dark Pink - Thankfulness
Yellow - Joy, Friendship
White - Innocence and Purity, I am Worthy of You, You're Heavenly
Peach - Modesty
Orange - Fascination
Lavender - Enchantment
Red and White together - Unity

Rosebud, Red - Pure and Lovely
Rosebud, White - Girlhood
Single Rose in Full Bloom - I Love You
Bouquet in Full Bloom - Gratitude

12 Roses - Gratitude
25 Roses - Congratulations
50 Roses - Unconditional Love

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