A rose bush packed with fragrant blooms is one of the best sights in the summer, and a rewarding one for gardeners who have pruned and prepared through winter. But once that first flush fades in June or early July, many gardeners pause, thinking that the best is over. In fact, that moment is exactly when roses need some extra care to keep them looking their best for weeks to come.
Many modern roses are bred to be repeat-blooming, but some varieties, particularly rambling and older shrub roses, produce only one spectacular flush of flowers in early summer. Hybrid teas, floribundas, modern David Austin shrubs and some climbers are well worth looking after to encourage a second round of vibrant petals, and it can be done with a simple gardening task.
Neil Robertson at The English Garden explains that a well-timed summer feed encourages new buds to form, significantly extending the flowering period.
Without it, the plant may put its energy into producing seed pods, also known as hips, which signal the end of the flowering cycle.
But with the right nutrients, roses are primed to push out another wave of colour.
How to get roses to flower again in summer
When roses flower heavily, most in early summer, they tap into the nutrient reserves that support flower and leaf growth. Once the initial performance is over, the plant is depleted.
Feeding at this point replenishes key nutrients like magnesium and potash, which support new blooms and promote healthy green foliage, which many would agree contributes to the splendour of roses.
Neil notes that he cares for the impressive display of roses at the Hever Rose Garden with a simple feeding schedule.
“At the beginning of the season, we use an all-purpose, slow-release granular rose feed that is high in potassium.”
The gardening expert notes that he applies this carefully, suggesting that gardeners do the same and draw a small circle around the base of the plant with the feed to ensure it doesn’t scorch the leaves.
“After the first flush of blooms, we make sure to feed again to encourage a longer flowering season”, said Neil.
He likened the practice to taking care of ourselves when we’re unwell: “As humans, we take vitamins and echinacea to ward off or lessen colds… in the same way, feeding roses ensures they are less likely to get seriously ill.”
When to feed roses
Border roses
Roses grown in garden borders should be fed in summer after the first flush of flowers. The English Garden experts suggest feeding border roses (including climbers and ramblers) after a period of rain, if possible, to lock in lots of moisture.
First, remove spent blooms from the plant and around the planting site. Pull up any weeds before feeding.
Granular plant feed, pelleted chicken manure or a specially formulated rose fertiliser is recommended to be used on the soil around the roots. Always gently dig it into the soil and follow with a good watering.
Apply mulch to about 5cm above the soil, avoiding an area directly around the rose stems. Water again.
Container roses
If your roses are grown in pots, they should be fed an all-liquid feed from late April, when the plant starts to grow. This is easy to spot, as flower buds will begin to form.
In summer, apply a high potash feed like a tomato fertiliser to promote a second flush of blooms.
