This is the fourth in a 12-part series of monthly tips for the rose garden.
Spring! Finally! I hope everyone is enjoying the first buds, blooms, and buzzing insects out there!
As April unfolds, gardens across different climates burst with new life. Roses, in particular, need dedicated care this month to ensure they grow strong and bloom abundantly. This guide offers detailed, zone-specific
instructions to keep your roses thriving, whether you're in the warm Southern zones, transitional Middle zones, or still experiencing cool Northern temperatures.
April Moon Hybrid Tea Rose
Cold-Climate (USDA Hardiness Zones 2-4)
- Set Potted Roses Out: In these chilly zones, the best way to protect roses throughout winter is often to grow them in pots so that you can bring them into a garage or other structure . If you have been overwintering roses indoors, now is a good time to set them back outside and let them start “waking up” again.
- Remove winter protection as the ground thaws: While some frost still might occur this month (or even next month), the winter’s worst should be over, so now it is time to remove winter protection from your in-ground roses and others plants. Remove a little bit at a time just to be sure you have enough protection left if another cold spell rolls in.
- When you see your first sets of leaves, apply Dynamite Slow-Release Fertilizer: Slow-release fertilizer can go on early. It will break down over time and nourish your plants as their growth cycle begins again. For roses, I recommend JP’s specially formulated Dynamite slow-release fertilizer.
- Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and the like that emerge about now. You can hose them off with water or use something mild like insecticidal soap.
- If you see disease you can spray the infected areas with Bonide Captain Jack’s Copper Fungicide available from Jackson & Perkins.
COLD-HARDY ROSES FOR SALE Moderate-Climate (USDA Hardiness Zones 5-7)
- Finish Pruning, Planting, Dormant Spraying, and Mulching: If you don’t have your roses all settled in yet, there’s no time to waste! The growing season is underway.
- Apply Organic fertilizer: Chemical fertilizers and salt-heavy fertilizers can burn plants in high concentrations, so you have to be careful about only applying them as needed. Organic fertilizer generally just decomposes into healthy garden soil, which you can never have too much of!
- Watch out for Aphids and Spider Mites, Treat with Earth-Tone: The arrival of warm weather, unfortunately, brings with it the awakening of all the bugs that were lying dormant in the soil So it’s time to keep an eye out for aphids, mites, and other pests that might pop up. Earth-Tone is handy because it treats most bugs AND fungal diseases all at once.
- Weed as necessary: Yep, the weeds are sprouting again. It’s a part of life for a gardener, especially us organic types that try to avoid herbicides. Laying down cardboard and mulch can keep weeds to a minimum, though, and a good weeding tool can make taking care of the stragglers a breeze.
NEW ROSES FOR SALE Hot-Climate (USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10)
- Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and the like that emerge about now. You can hose them off with water or use something mild like insecticidal soap.
- Watch out for mildew, Treat with Copper Fungicide: Now that the rainy season is upon us, foliar diseases like blackspot are rose enemy number one. Keep them at bay with a copper fungicide spray.
- Start heavy feeding: Once active growth has really kicked into gear, you might want to consider giving your plants fast-acting liquid feeds. Just be sure not to OVER-feed.
- Water as needed: Spring is usually plenty rainy, so you might not have to get out the hose just yet. But if it’s an unseasonably dry month, be ready to start your watering routine.
HEAT-TOLERANT ROSES FOR SALE Wishing you a happy springtime in the garden!
This post was written and edited by Paul Zimmerman, a J&P consultant, expert rose grower, and garden designer.
