Rose bushes one gets more afternoon sun & less mulch, - Ask Extension
Same bush planted in two locations on 9000 ft high patio. Small bush has smaller leaves & struggles with size & healthy growth. Big bush is we...
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Rose bushes one gets more afternoon sun & less mulch, #877031
Asked July 12, 2024, 6:08 PM EDT
Same bush planted in two locations on 9000 ft high patio. Small bush has smaller leaves & struggles with size & healthy growth. Big bush is west and smaller one is east. Sun is strong/ direct & 3:30’pm photo shows fierce light on smaller plant. Is this the problem with growth?
Would garden tarp help with eliminating direct light in afternoon or removing heat soaking rock so close to root?
Would just piling on new fresh mulch & increase water do the job?
Thanks
Pitkin County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Nanette,
I would start by adding more mulch and increasing water to the one that is more in the sun. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the base of the plant, the mulch shouldn't be touching the stem of the plant. The rose should be able to handle the full sun but it will definitely need more water than the one that is getting afternoon shade. If the rocks are causing issues for the rose you will see leaf scorch (aka leaf burn) on the side where the rocks are from the reflected heat. I don't see any signs of leaf scorch in the pictures but it could be that I can't see it in the pictures. I would also apply an all-purpose fertilizer next spring.
Here is some more information on rose care and maintenance:
https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6601
All the best,
-Denyse
I would start by adding more mulch and increasing water to the one that is more in the sun. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the base of the plant, the mulch shouldn't be touching the stem of the plant. The rose should be able to handle the full sun but it will definitely need more water than the one that is getting afternoon shade. If the rocks are causing issues for the rose you will see leaf scorch (aka leaf burn) on the side where the rocks are from the reflected heat. I don't see any signs of leaf scorch in the pictures but it could be that I can't see it in the pictures. I would also apply an all-purpose fertilizer next spring.
Here is some more information on rose care and maintenance:
https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6601
All the best,
-Denyse
