Updated/Fact-Chacked on May 16, 2022 by John
The midnight supreme rose belongs to the family of roses and develops as a shrub. Compared with other roses like white rose and black rose, its growth is quite fast. It blooms in mild winter climates of above 10 degrees Celsius. This rose is between 60 cm to 90cm(2-3 feet); hence, it grows in nearly any landscape. The roses produce dark velvety purple flowers with a spicy clove scent. This post will explain how to plant, feed, prune and protect the midnight blue roses from pest and disease infestation.
Contents
How to plant Midnight Blue Roses
Midnight blue roses are a stunning addition to any garden. If you’re looking for a new kind of rose to plant, the midnight blue rose is a great choice! Here’s how to do it:
1. Plant the rose seed half-inch deep in pots or shallow trays with 50% sterile potting soil and 50% vermiculite in the full sun. The rose seeds take 5-6 weeks to bloom, although some take a full season. Then they are ready for transplanting. Ensure to water them when the soil gets dry, and ensure that the soil doesn’t get too soggy. Transplant outside after the danger of frost has passed.
2. Pick a healthy plant; look for one with strong stems and lots of leaves. If the plant already has buds on it when you pluck or buy it, that’s even better! A healthy plant will be resistant to diseases.
3. Pick the location of your blue rose bush. They need at least 6 hours of full sun exposure, so pick a sunny spot for planting.
4. In the spot you choose, the soil should have excellent drainage, and also it must be fertile soil. If it does not drain well, then the roots of the rose bush will get too wet and rot away. Midnight Blue Roses do best in well-draining soil with plenty of organic material.
5. If the rose bush you bought is not in a container, you have to soak it overnight for rehydration.
6. Dig a hole at least twice as deep and wide as the rose container is growing in. Let the size be about 60cm wide and 60 cm deep. While planting, remove any weeds or stones that will hinder the roots from spreading out. When planting the hybrid shrub roses, space them 2-3feet.
7. Incorporate some manure in the soil before planting the blue roses. Purchase manure of 3-4 years old to prevent it from burning roots. Per square meter, Incorporate a bucketful of manure.
8. Remove the rose from its container and place it into the hole, so the top of its root system is level with the soil line. Ensure to spread the roots in different directions before refilling the soil. Fill the hole halfway with soil and press down firmly to remove air pockets.
9. Water the plant; stop when a puddle starts forming at the base of the plant. Too much regular water can weaken or kill your rose.
10. Add mulch around the base of your midnight blue rose. Mulch helps keep the roots cool while submerged underground, preventing them from drying out or rotting due to excess water.
How to water and feed midnight blue roses
Water only when the soil is dry. Then pour enough water till you see a puddle forming. They develop water-seeking roots, which help them survive during drier periods.
Apply foliar feed formulated especially for blue roses. Spray it directly to the leaves; it adds nutrients and protects the rose from diseases. Begin feeding it after 3-4 weeks after planting. Remember to water the rose bush before adding fertilizer. Alternatively, you can decide to sprinkle the foliar feed on the soil; then, it will be taken down to the roots through the watering of the plants.
How to prune the midnight supreme rose bush
Pruning should occur in early spring – If you’ve got a blue rose looking a little wild, it might be time for light pruning. But don’t worry—it’s easy! You’ll need some sharp shears and your trusty garden glove to ensure they are clean. Find the first major stem and cut it down to about 45 degrees. Then make cuts at an angle around 1/3-inch above a leaf node (where leaves grow). Ensure the cuts are facing outwards so that new growth can emerge.
Repeat these steps until you have pruned the whole rose bush. Then pick up those fallen stems and leaves, give your plants plenty of water, and watch them grow!
When you get a damaged growth, cut it back until you see a white stem. The aim is to have a plant that is well spaced and to allow air circulation. Cut any close-growing stems or those that are entangled. On older blue roses, focus on cutting back those that produce stems.
To promote the growth of more flowers, remove the old flower heads. It encourages the plant to produce flowers rather than producing seeds. Cut the spent flowers head back to leave as many flowers in the bush. Also, remove any suckers they have leaves that appear paler in colour than the other foliage. If you remove the suckers from the ground level, they will grow again, so trace them to the roots and pull gently.
How to prevent pests and diseases
To keep your blue roses looking their best, you need to follow these tips:
Use systemic spray. Systemic spray prevents pests by applying to the leaves of your rose plant. The plant will then absorb it and take effect throughout its entire system. Use it when the leaves start to form and reapply after two weeks.
Treat blackspots with fungicides; if not treated, they may kill a plant. As much as blue roses are resistant to diseases, high amounts of rainfall trigger an attack. Pruning to foster air circulation, keeping the area around debris-free, and watering in the morning are ways to prevent blackspots.
Conclusion
Growing blue roses is not as easy as growing other plants. Roses require proper care and regular attention, but with a reward of a beautiful flower at the end. Water should be provided to the rose plant only when the soil feels dry. Proper and timely pruning and pest and disease management are also a must. Contact us and let us guide you on how to grow plants.
John Green is a 46-year-old graphic designer living in Durham. John is RHS level 3 certified and owns an allotment in Durham.