A breathtaking show of roses

XMAS: HOW TO PREPARE FOR FABUOUS BLOOMS

- Ludwig Taschner

The October rose show is over, and apart from some late bloomers, the bushes are shorn of their blooms and are building up strength for their next razzle dazzle.

That will be Christmas and the pressure is on because there needs to be blooms for display both indoors and outdoors.

Here's what to do during this in-between time:

Top-up nutrition

Replace the nutrition that was used up in October by fertilising with Vigorosa around the middle of the month. Bush roses need only one 30g of Vigorosa and double for large shrubs and climbers.

Besides the macro and micronutrients Vigorosa contains humic acid. This is a pre-coal carbonate that has a neutralising factor in the soil allowing a better uptake of the required fertiliser.

Don't panic

Every year after the first flush, new leaves often appear to be chlorotic; a light yellow green with distinct green midrib and veins.

it's all to do with a communication breakdown between the roots and the rest of the plant. In October the roots are working overtime to absorb food to fuel the rapid growth and flowering.