Growing Roses in Australian Gardens
Hot Climate Rose Gardening in Tropical and Sub-Tropical Regions
Roses for gardens in hot climates should be purchased from rose nurseries that also happen to be in hot climates – where they were grafted, nurtured and allowed to grow on before being sent to the garden centers. A rose shipped from Canada, for example, is destined to fail in northern and southern Australia. Use an Australian nursery like Treloar Roses or Misty Downs for the best results.
Roses grafted and grown in Australian nurseries, and the more local to the gardener's area, the better, are tested first to ensure they can withstand the region's unique climate. As long as the rose is started near the gardener's location, it has a good chance of growing in her garden – already tested for drought-tolerance, as well as sun-tolerance.
Roses Grown in Raised Beds
Roses grown in raised beds, especially in the north, help to ensure the plant's roots aren't wading in water during the rainy seasons. The roots will rot in any garden bed that doesn't have good drainage. The monsoons could easily wipe out the rose garden if it's not planted in a way to avoid the onslaught of water.
Drought Tolerant Roses
Most roses for Australian gardens are grafted onto Fortuniana rootstock which helps to make the rose reasonably resistant to drought, but this doesn't lessen the need for water. Soil should remain damp or moist.
Planting Roses in Australia
June and July are the best months to plant roses in Australia. Plant them in a sunny well-drained location. They prefer an open spot with at least 5 hours of sun each day. There are roses that can grow beneath trees, but rain and moisture levels can remain in the shade and cause fungal diseases. Full sun or dappled shade would be better for the health of the rose.
Care in soil preparation will ensure it is rich in nutrients for the roses. They prefer clay but will grow in any soil as long it is well-drained, is able to hold moisture and is given sustenance with compost and well-rotted manure.
A mulch of pine bark or peat moss will keep the soil cool, keep the weeds away and help in maintaining consistent moisture levels around the root system.
In Australia, the bud union or graft should be 4 cm to 5 cm above the surface of the soil.
Rose Disease
Roses are prone to disease and attacks by insects. Natural insecticides are available, but be aware that most have to be applied more often than the chemically based insecticides.
Pruning and Removing Sucker Growth
In most parts of Australia, roses grow continuously, so there is no need for a hard pruning and it could actually be harmful to the plant. Prune lightly and only when necessary. The gardener can do a somewhat heavier pruning after the wet season in February with a second pruning in September. It isn't necessary to cut the rose back severely – just shape, remove dead or old wood and open in it up a little.
Suckers that grow below the graft should be dealt with promptly, by slicing it with a sharp knife. If left to grow, the named rose variety will quickly be taken over by mass of foliage.
Leave climbing and rambling roses to grow on for at least 2 years to let the rose establish itself with long canes. Remove only dead or weak wood as it grows.
Learn to Adapt the Rose
Roses aren't difficult to grow in any part of Australia, but the rose gardener needs to learn to adapt the rose to the various micro-climates that exist here. Pick a rose that is proven to grow in the gardener's location. Visit local rose nurseries, rose farms and rose show gardens to learn what will grow. Know what the plant needs and work to give it what it needs. Even when grown in hot , muggy, and wet climates, rose gardeners find ways to help the rose flourish and adapt.
Reference
- Queensland Rose Society
- Botanica's Pocket Roses, Whitecap Books, 2001
Old Pink-Flowered Climbing Rose
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Rose Gardens of Benalla Botanic Gardens
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Bright Yellow Rose in Goolwa South Australia
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