This Is How Often You Should Really Water Roses for Healthier Blooms, According to Gardeners

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When to Water Roses

While beautiful, roses tend to require more maintenance than most flowering plants.

“In fact, they can be considered the most water and nutrient-consuming plant in the garden,” Ward Dilmore, a landscaper and founder of Petrus Landscape, says.

Most rose varieties will have virtually the same high demand for water, though roses in containers will likely require water more frequently, and roses located in warmer areas, like California, he says. So, when should gardener water their roses?

In terms of watering roses during the day, garden experts highly recommend early morning hours.

“This allows leaves to dry during the day, reducing disease risk and other common rose problems,” Annette Thurmon, a gardener, homesteader, and healthy living advocate at Azure Farm, explains.

Therefore, you want to avoid evening watering, because it can promote mildew and fungal growth, she says.

Season-wise, spring and summer are when you want to water the most often, making it part of your daily garden routine. Thurmon personally loves going on a morning walk and watering her roses. She tries to water her roses every day in the morning during spring and summer because these seasons are when roses bloom and growth peaks.

And during summer heat waves, be prepared to water your roses even more.

“In summer, roses often require a gallon per plant per day in extreme heat,” Tyler Francis, the lead farmer, co-founder, and co-CEO at April & Ashley, says.

During fall, on the other hand, you should gradually reduce watering as plants prepare for dormancy. In winter, aim for minimal watering unless you happen to reside in a warm climate, as rose roots are mostly dormant in this season.

Size Matters

As with most plants, rose plant size factors into how much you should water as well.

“All roses follow the same basic rule: the bigger the plant, the more water it needs,” Francis explains. Likewise, the smaller the rose plant, the less water it will need. 

How to Water Roses

1. Check the soil moisture. Thurmon suggests doing this by sticking your finger 1 to 2 inches into the soil. Thurmon explains that if the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. Alternatively, you can use a moisture meter.
2. Use a soaker hose or watering can. Water at the base of the rose plant. Avoid spraying leaves to
   reduce disease risk.
3. Water slowly and deeply. Allow water to soak down to the root zone, Thurmon says. This is around 6 to 12 inches deep.
4. Repeat watering as needed based on weather and rose type. According to Francis, roses in moderate climates need 4 to 5 gallons per week to stay hydrated—but they need even more in hot weather. So, monitor your roses during heat waves or drought because these are times when your rose may need more water.
5. Mulch around the base of the rose plant. A 2-to-3-inch layer of mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, Thurmon says. Thurmon explains how her doing this routinely has really helped the overall health of my roses.

Signs of Overwatering

Watch for these symptoms because they are most likely signs of overwatering.

• Rose yellowing leaves, especially at the bottom of the plant.
• Wilting roses despite wet soil.
• Mushy stems or roots, which can be indicative of root rot.
• Black spots or fungal issues due to excessive moisture.
• Poor rose blooming or overall stunted plant growth.