By any name as sweet a smell

STEVE KAWARATANI

“In real life, unlike in Shakespeare, the sweetness of the rose

depends upon the name it bears.”

--Hubert H. Humphrey

“I breathe the morning air of the world while the scent of Eden’s

roses yet lingered in it ... “

--Alexander Smith

I began my romance with roses when I discovered there are others

besides those named “Apricot Nectar,” “Peaches ‘n Cream” and

“Butterscotch.” The masters of the rose world have often produced

amazing flowers of perfect proportion, color, and scent, but

sometimes I find their name selection enervating.

This is not to say that I dislike sweetness; just ask Catharine.

But I prefer to grow roses which bear a more regal countenance --

names like “Commitment,” “Zephirine Drouhin,” and “Mutabilis.”

No matter the name or reputed resistance of a particular rose,

insect and foliage disease are likely to come its way. Prevention is

the key to keep pest and disease damage to a minimum. Naturally, a

healthy and vigorous rose is much more likely to ward off problems

than one that is under stress from lack of water or nutrients.

During warm weather, roses should receive one to two inches of

water per week. Roses thrive on water; adequate watering is more

important than fertilizer for growth. Heirloom Old Garden Roses in

Oregon recommends an empty tuna fish can in the rose garden to

monitor the quantity of water applied.

Most roses also require regular applications of fertilizer to

reach their full potential and produce wonderful flowers. During the

next four weeks, a water soluble, balanced fertilizer such as Miracle

Gro “For Roses” or Nurseryman’s rose food should be applied the first

week. Midway through the month, apply 1/2 cup of Epsom salts, an

essential element in the growth process of roses.

Good cultural practices include watering correctly. Watering

overhead only in the morning, so the foliage can dry out prior to the

evening, can prevent some diseases. Watering carefully with a soft

nozzle will eliminate soil or mulch from splattering on leaves. This

reduces the opportunities for diseases, such as blackspot, from

gaining a foothold.

Pest management begins with controls other than chemicals. This

may involve hand-picking worms or water-washing aphids from your

roses. Natural controls like ladybugs and praying mantis can also

keep insect pests under control. However, there are those times when

an invasion of pests will overwhelm such nontoxic practices.

Although I don’t necessarily espouse establishing a regular spray

schedule for roses, you may never see any evidence of problems if you

spray your plants every two weeks with Orthonex. However, remember

that this chemical will kill both pests and beneficials. All garden

chemicals should be applied thoughtfully and carefully. Look for next

week’s column to highlight control of rose pests and diseases.

To describe roses as “romantic” is to open them and myself to a

degree of misunderstanding, but certainly they are the evocative

flowers of association. Beyond their unquestioned beauty, the

heavenly scent of our roses keeps me lingering in my garden each

morning. I simply enjoy being in their, and Catharine’s, company. See

you next time.

* STEVE KAWARATANI is happily married to local writer, Catharine

Cooper, and has two cats. He can be reached at 949.497.2438, or

e-mail to plantman2@mac.com.