No mystery to planting roses

There is no mystery to planting roses in the desert if you follow some simple rules and take proper care of the plant.

Planting roses, particularly in the desert, doesn't have to be mysterious or difficult. If you are careful and follow these directions, chances are you can have beautiful and fragrant plants for years to come.

Typically, a rose properly planted and cared for can life for 15 years of more, and that's a pretty long time for a flowering perennial.

There are some things you need to remember when planting a rose in your desert garden. First, I would plant roses only in the oasis portion of my garden.

Some does and don't include:

Do mix peat, compost or other organic matter into the soil you have removed from the planting hole.

Do not fertilize your roses when you first put them into the ground.

Do make a cone at the bottom of the hole to support the plant's root system.

Do not overwater when planting.

Do cut your plant back, allowing only two to four canes, 8 to 12 inches each, to remain.

Do cut twiggy or weak canes.

Remember to sterilize your cutting instrument (scissors, pruners, knife) before you make any cuts on the plant or its roots.

To receive in-depth knowledge on planting roses in your desert garden, read the article Planting Roses in the Desert.