Knowing how to water roses in hot weather can be the difference between them surviving the heatwave and not – so I spoke to the experts to find out exactly what I needed to do (and where I was going wrong) to ensure that my precious roses make it through.
Understanding how to water roses in hot weather is an essential part of growing roses, and thankfully, established roses are surprisingly drought-tolerant plants – it’s one of the reasons I love them. However, heatwaves test even the hardiest roses, so getting your plan in place is vital to keeping your roses blooming all summer long.
1. Reduce frequency and increase quantity of watering
I always thought that the best way to water roses in hot weather was to water every day – even though I rarely managed it! So I was delighted to find out that I didn’t need to feel guilty about not picking up the watering can every day – in fact, my lack of a daily watering schedule was actually better for my roses.
‘Roses are relatively deep-rooting plants, so for well-established plants, roses should be okay on their own without needing lots of additional watering, as they will root down to the water table,’ says Oliver Goold, sixth-generation rose grower at Henry Street Nursery.
‘If you water roses in the ground with a little bit of water every day, you encourage the roots to rise to the surface to take in the little bit of water they are given on the surface and won’t send as many roots deep down into the ground, which is needed for long-term success of the plant.’
During prolonged periods of hot and dry weather, even drought-tolerant roses require a little extra help. Aim to drench your roses once or twice a week thoroughly.
2. Watering young roses correctly will set you up for success
Younger roses benefit from more regular watering throughout summer – even if there isn’t a heatwave on the horizon, but again, the key is to use lots of water less frequently.
This advice was particularly important for the bare-root roses that I planted in my £20 rose garden at the start of the year.
‘Water once or twice a week and aim to use between half to a full watering can of water per rose. This water will settle through the soil profile and encourage the roses to root deep down in the soil to reach the water table,’ says Oliver Goold.
Make life easier by investing in a larger watering can – like this 13ltr plastic watering can from B&Q.
Training your young roses to rely on water from the water table rather than your watering will make them more self-sufficient, so they won’t struggle if you go away for a fortnight in the summer.
3. Water the base of the rose in the morning to avoid disease
Time of day is also important when watering roses in hot weather.
‘It is best to water roses in hot weather earlier in the day, so plants can take up moisture before the heat builds, and leaves have time to dry, further reducing disease risk,’ says experts from Harkness Roses.
‘Always water the soil at the base of the rose, not the leaves. Keeping foliage dry helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases in roses, especially when plants are stressed by heat.’
4. Employ the use of mulch
I can’t sing the praises of mulch enough! It’s been a game-changer – not only for my garden’s soil health, but also because it meant that my garden hasn’t really suffered in the most recent heatwave (even when it wasn’t watered for over a week while I was on holiday!).
Roses particularly welcome a layer of mulch – like this Peat Free Manure from B&Q – as it keeps water in the soil.
‘Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch (like compost or well-rotted manure) around the base, keeping it a few centimetres from the stem. Mulch helps retain moisture and regulates soil temperature, protecting roots and reducing how often you need to water,’ says experts from Harkness Roses.
Our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny McFarlane swears by RocketGro’s Magic Mulch ‘I’m worrying less about watering my plants in hot weather because the compost and soil are staying moist for longer. RocketGro’s Magic Mulch is available for just £14.84 on Amazon
5. Water potted roses daily
Potted roses require much more attention than those in the soil, as their water reserves are much more limited than those in the borders.
‘Water potted roses daily and make sure the whole pot is saturated, as roses will flower most when given plenty of water,’ says Oliver Goold. ‘Fertilising roses is particularly important for those in pots. Use a liquid food like a rose tree & shrub or tomato feed, as when watering a lot, you wash a lot of the nutrients out of the soil, meaning the roses, while well watered, can start to become hungry.’
Amazon stocks a range of rose tree and shrub feeds – like this Miracle-Gro feed – and tomato feed – including the favourite Tomatorite. You could even make your own rose fertiliser.
‘If growing in pots, use a soil-based compost such as John Innes No.3 as it’s far more water absorbent than multi-purpose compost,’ adds Stewart Pocock, owner at Pococks Roses. John Innes No.3 is available to buy on Amazon.
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