- Author: Bob Niklewicz, MG at the Fuller Park Rose Garden
The October Master Gardener's Rose Cycle chart (https://napamg.ucanr.edu/files/254549.pdf) has us continuing to deadhead and removing infected leaves that show yellowing, black spots, browning edges and/or have pests lurking among the blossoms and stems. The blossoms are coming slower and in fewer numbers. Enjoy what is out there for the next couple of months.
Many of our bushes have suffered from the elevated heat, and diminished watering. Leaves have turned brown, look wilted and/or just fell off to preserve the moisture in the bush. Many leaves look dull and are no longer glossy. Don't be surprised or feel bad that the rose garden has the same problems you have in your yard. This too, is part of the rose cycle and nature.
Now is the time to handle the heat issues and to watch out for signs of delayed heat stress that caused the leaves to yellow or be susceptible to black spots and pests. Pick off those infected leaves that haven't fallen off the branches as well as those that are on the ground and put them in the city compost bins to reduce the spread of fungus. Remember to sterilize your pruners after each bush to reduce the spread of the black spots.
Keep watering the bushes a couple of times a week with about a gallon per plant during these cooler days. If we do get another hot period, add another day of watering.
The bushes will be starting to store nutrients in the roots for the winter. The last dose of organic fertilizer should have already been done, but if it hasn't, follow the dosing instructions on the packages and do it now.
ROSE of the MONTH: 'Firefighter'
The 'Firefighter' is a very popular rose in our garden. It is a hybrid tea with wonderful full and dark red blooms. It is great for cuttings with a wonderful fragrance. Though it is supposed to be thornless, it still gets some. It is disease resistant and a rose with a classic look.
It can grow to 6' tall if you let it and easily 3-4' across. It does great in our Zone 9 climate.
Remember when pruning to toss that plant debris into your city compost bin and not your own compost pile. The Napa City compost center produces higher temperatures to destroy the spores while your backyard pile will not do so. When it comes time to add mulch, consider getting it from the Napa Recycling & Composting Facility.
If you have questions about the Fuller Park Rose Garden and the Master Gardeners (MGs) who maintain that Rose Garden, the MGs are usually in the garden the first Sunday and third Thursday of each month between 10:00 and 12:00, weather permitting.
Napa Master Gardeners are available to answer garden questions by email: mastergardeners@countyofnapa.org. or phone at 707-253-4143. Volunteers will get back to you after they research answers to your questions. You can also go to our Master Gardener website: napamg.ucanr.edu for more details.
Photos by Bob Niklewicz