Plant of the month - June

Rose

Roses have been bred over centuries from their original forms. Types you will see available and growing in people’s gardens are: Hybrid Tea, Floribunda, Climbing and David Austin. All come in a range of colours and fit in well with most garden styles.

Modern roses will flower at least twice if you feed and dead head regularly. They grow best in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that drains in winter. They grow and flower poorly in thin soil and shade.

Roses are susceptible to aphid attack and black spot (a fungal disease). You can deal with either by using chemicals or by using good gardening methods.

If you are thinking of growing roses in your garden have a look around garden centres / nurseries, and ask staff for advice or research on-line.