Yes, it is still summer and blazing hot, but it is time for a big rose cutback and organic fertilization of your roses. These tasks will get your roses ready for a spectacular fall bloom. Your larger roses, such as Hybrid teas, Grandifloras and some Floribundas will grow new canes in approximately 6 to 8 weeks and start blooming again. Fall blooms are larger and more colorful too. Prune back these roses about 1/4 to 1/3 of their current height towards the end of August. For example, if your rose is 6 feet tall, prune off no more than 2 feet. Vigorous growing roses can tolerate this pruning. Weaker growing roses should be pruned back less. After you have pruned your roses give them a boost with some type of organic fertilizer. You can apply any of the following: One or two cups per bush of Purely Organic (purchased in March from the Greenville Rose Society, Mills Magic Mix (from Roses Unlimited in Laurens, S.C., Espoma brand Plant or Rose Tone available at local garden centers.
