ROSES IN DRY WEATHER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 February 1939, Page 3

ROSES IN DRY WEATHER

The hot, dry weather experienced during the last few weeks has, on the whole suited those varieties of roses with Pernetiana blood. This explains why yellow has been one of the best colours in the rose garden up till now. because this is a typical Pernetiana shade. It is interesting to notice the way in which some of the older roses have bloomed under the trying conditions. That grand old variety, Mrs W. Quin, seems to be better than ever — full of bloom and making ample growth, with very little attention beyond an occasional soaking. The National Rose Society has been carrying out experiments, with great success, to prove the value of the old-fashioned grass mulch. One outstanding fact emerged. Whereas the unmulched roses were rather heavily attacked by black

spot, the mulched plants escaped almost entirely. The explanation is that the winter spores of the black spot disease are carried in the soil, and have no chance of rising to'the foliage when the bed is covered with a fairly thick layer of grass clippings. Do not rush out and mulch the beds if the soil is already dry, for this will simply mean that, when rain does come, a great deal will be absorbed by the mulch and kept from the thirsty loots. Either give the beds a good soaking first and then put on the mulch, or else wait for rain. The dryness of the soil has encouraged an early appearance of mildew in some districts and prompt measures should be taken to prevent this from spreading. There are several excellent proprietary fungicides on the market, specially prepared to combat this disease. Alternatively, the old-fashion-ed liver of sulphur can be used at the rate of one ounce in five gallons of water. It is more effective if soft soap is added one ounce per gallon, as this makes the spray stick. It should be noted, however, that liver of sulphur stains paint, and in consequence should not be used on climbing roses growing round the house where paint will be discoloured.

Special care should be taken to relieve plants of all flowers as soon as these have ceased to be decorative. In «an already difficult season, there is no point in exposing the plants to any unnecessary strain such as would be caused by seed formation. A little blood and bone, or a mixed fertiliser rich in nitrogen, will also help the plants to make growth, and consequently a good autumn display. Care should be taken to see that any such chemical fertilisers are well washed into the soil before further applications are made. There is a danger in a dry season of fertilisers accumulation in the soil until, when rain does come, there is such a concentration of chemicals that many of the root hairs are killed outright. Any fertilisers should be well washed into the soil, for they are of no use to the plant, until dissolved in solution.