Mulching Rose Gardens

Mulching is highly recommended for all types of roses, even if they are planted in pots.

Mulch acts as an insulator, not only protecting from temperature variation but also helping to retain moisture in the soil. Therefore, your garden will require less watering and weeding. Mulching your roses will also help to provide them with necessary nutrients as the matter begins to break down into the soil.

 


WHAT TO USE:

These are the mulches we recommend for roses.
  • Sugar Cane mulch
  • Mushroom compost
  • Garden Compost
  • Sheep Dags
  • Whoflungdung by Neutrog
 
Application: Mulch is best applied during winter to early spring while the soil is still moist from the winter rains. Provide a good thick layer of mulch, approximately 3 to 5cm thick.  Any more than this will prevent water reaching the soil as the mulch will soak it up first. Make sure to keep the mulch at least 2 to 3 cm away from the base of the stem to avoid collar rot.  

 


WHAT NOT YO USE:

Avoid any form of rocks or pebbles around your roses. This will do the opposite of what you want to achieve, heating up the soil and drying moisture away from the roots. It will also leak unwanted nutrients into the soil.

ALWAYS AVOID any mulches containing eucalyptus leaves or Pine needles. Roses do not like eucalyptus as it changes the acidity of the soil, decreasing the plants immunity to infections and pests – it may eventually kill your roses.