How to Grow Blessings Rose

Well-draining soil is key, as the Blessings rose likes plenty to drink but dislikes soggy soil. Placing these roses in an area with good air circulation will help keep them healthy and free of moisture-related diseases. This variety is not often plagued by pests. 

Light

The Blessings rose likes a lot of sunshine on an open border that receives plenty of sunlight. Morning sunshine is best, as this allows the plant to dry early in the day and helps avoid moist conditions that can cause fungus or disease. 

 Soil

Well-draining soil is key for healthy roses. The Blessings rose likes moist soil but never soggy soil. It prefers slightly acid soil (6.0 to 6.5 pH) that is rich in organic matter and can tolerate a wide range of soil types including sandy, clay, and loamy conditions.  It is also best not to plant roses where other roses have grown previously.

Water

These roses will remain healthy and blooming if they are given plenty of water. Water deeply and thoroughly, but make sure the soil drains well so the roses do not sit in water. When the soil starts to dry out, re-water it. You can water this rose once or twice a week with one to two inches of water, but its watering requirements will vary depending on your location and climate.

To prevent disease, water the soil rather than the leaves when watering Blessings roses. Water deeply as well to promote root growth. Strong, deep roots will help your roses survive dry spells. Hotter climates and sandy soil will necessitate more frequent watering than in cool, coastal areas. A simple rule is to water when the top three inches of soil are dry.

Fertilizer

Because these roses bloom continuously, adding extra nutrients with a well-balanced fertiliser will help ensure healthy, abundant blooms. Begin feeding in early spring, either a month before new growth or when winter protection is removed, and continue feeding weekly or every other week depending on the fertiliser used.

Fertilize six weeks before your first expected frost date to protect tender new growth from being damaged by a change in weather.

 

Pruning Blessings Roses

Heavy pruning of hybrid tea roses is best done in the early spring before any early spring, before new growth. Trim away any dead or damaged branches. Since this type of rose produces abundant growth, don't be hesitant to eliminate any branches that look weak or less than 1/2 inch in diameter.

Reduce the length of remaining stronger canes by about a third, down to 12 to 24 inches. This type of hard pruning promotes strong stems and large flowers. It also opens and shapes the plant, allowing it to focus more energy on fewer flowers.

When cutting roses, leave a few leaves on the stem and make cuts about 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud. Cut at a 45-degree angle so that water runs off the cut ends.

 

Potting and Repotting Blessings Roses

Blessings roses make excellent container plants due to their small size. Because these plants are sensitive to excessive moisture, choose a container with plenty of drainage holes. Because potted roses require more frequent watering than garden roses, adequate drainage is critical. When the soil starts to dry out, water thoroughly until the entire root ball is saturated, then allow any excess water to drain out of the pot.

Blessings roses thrive in large patio pots with plenty of room for the roots to grow. If the rose bush outgrows the pot, gently remove it and transplant it to a larger pot. Before filling in the soil, amend it with compost or fertiliser. The best time to repot roses is in the early spring.