The universal symbol of love, desire and beauty can craft entire messages through one color. Whether to thrill or comfort the receiver, the rose whispers secrets to heal through ecotherapy, the mind, spirit and body!

Healing Body and Heart

The rose is part of our ceremony. In stepping upon each petal, the bride receives a blessing of fertility and romance. Wildflowers are a kind gift, but roses, even just one, implies an emboldened offering from the heart. Saved petals offer fragrance long after drying. And, if the body bathes in an infusion of fresh petals, the miraculous result soothes redness, cleanses and hydrates the skin and tightens pores. As a topical or digestible, the rose has natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and astringent properties alongside natural oils and vitamin C. In the form of oils, water, gels, jams, teas and powders, the medicinal rose can reduce the signs of aging and lower blood glucose levels, balance hormones and cool the gastrointestinal tract.

With a wide range of benefits, a rose is the perfect addition to your landscape.

Red, Pink or Yellow?

Perhaps there is a feeling of intimidation to care for the queen of flowers. In meticulously choosing a location of six hours of direct sunlight and amending the soil to offer adequate draining, the ultimate challenge is in selecting the right color. In local nurseries, you’ll find a selection of potted roses adapted for your climate. If you desire a broader range of varieties, consider purchasing a bare-root plant. Although dormant, you’ll only need to keep the roots moistened. And, witnessing the transformation of growth and buds is well worth the wait!

Historic Naming

Choosing a historic rose, such as Rosa Abraham Lincoln, the Rosa Queen Elizabeth or the yellow peace rose is a process which takes most growers roughly a decade to produce. One in 100,000 may be fortunate to receive a celebrated name; therefore, the decision to buy a hybrid rose takes a commitment of love and care!

Wide and Deep

A row of roses has an eye-catching and dramatic appeal. Consider giving each plant the space of three feet to expand. Since the root system grows along the surface with one tap root anchoring the plant deep underground, it’s essential to dig a wide hole to accommodate growth. Loose soil surrounding the vine or bush will ensure the rose grows to its full potential. Add a few handfuls of rocks before planting to help with draining since many plants, especially the rose, do not prefer wet feet. Organic or composted soil will ensure it has the best environment to thrive.

Mulch

Improve the health and soil temperature by adding a three-inch layer of mulch while leaving a gap around the stalk. Effectively preventing weeds from appearing, organic matter improves the quality of the soil, over time, and retains moisture. Bark pieces, shredded leaves or straw work equally well.

Fertilizer

Kitchen scraps work best; therefore, toss out crushed eggshells and banana peels, which encourage flowering. While not everyone wants visitors to see their secrets to producing beautiful roses, take one step further to bury the peels below the surface. One tablespoon of Epsom salt to a gallon of water works great as an additive. Both options are economical compared to the packaged fertilizer specially designed for roses.

How Much Water?

Try to avoid sprinklers which shoot water into the air. At times, it can cause fungal diseases on the leaves. The best option is to use a soaker hose weekly without the natural minerals provided through a rain shower.

Pruning

The best time to prune is early spring, after the forsythia blooms. The goal is to open up the center of the plant, similar to the shape of a vase. Remove thin or weak growth, crossing branches or other extensions which can cause disease through rubbing. Cut above the outward-facing eye which appears as a small bump or impending shoot or leaf. Always cut at a 45-degree angle.

Roses tend to receive more care than any other flowers in the garden. Perhaps, the mythological store is real. The goddess of nature, Cybele, created the rose to win all competitions of extraordinary beauty. Even Aphrodite couldn’t complain too much!