Aldershot Greenhouse Ltd.’s potted roses undergo a strict monthly testing program at the University of Florida to ensure high quality and longevity. However, as a living product, they require proper care. Here are some helpful answers to the most
common questions:

Q: How do I care for my potted roses indoors?

A: With minimal care and a well-chosen location Aldershot Greenhouses’ potted roses will continue to produce lovely blooms indoors. Here is what you should know:

1. For best results, place your mini rose in a cool, bright area away from dry, hot drafts caused by forced air heating. Never let potted roses become completely dry. Get a feel for the weight of the pot after watering. When it feels lighter and the soil no longer sticks to your finger, it is time to water. Water from a saucer placed beneath the plant but drain off the excess after about 20 minutes. If the soil remains too wet, the roots will drown from lack of oxygen.
2. Roses like lots of light. In winter, there isn’t enough light to leave your roses several feet from a window for lengthy periods. To keep your roses at their best, choose a sunny window.
3. Fertilize once new growth appears following the package directions.
4. A cooler temperature (less than 21°C) is preferred and will prolong the life of each bloom. Under optimum conditions, your rose can grown indefinitely indoors, though flowering may be sporadic. If your rose is not growing well indoors, try planting outside in a container or in the ground.

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Q: I’d like to continue to enjoy my potted roses by planting them outside? When should I do this and how can I ensure that they will continue to bloom beautifully?

A: In the garden, roses prefer a cool, light, sunny area sheltered from hot, dry winds. In hot climates they may require some afternoon shade. Before planting outdoors, wait until the risk of a hard frost is over. Roses do best when planted in the ground but Parade®, PatioHit®, Towne & Country® and Palace® roses were developed to perform well in containers. Be sure to use a potting mix with good drainage and airspace. A slightly acidic pre-mixed packaged potting mix will work fine. Water the rose well after planting and then regularly until rose is established. Roses in containers will need more frequent watering than those in the garden.

For profuse, healthy blooms, feed regularly during the growing season following instructions on the fertilizer and remove spent flowers to encourage new growth. In the spring before new growth begins, cut back to about 1/3 of original plant. Well-established Parade®, PatioHit® and Palace® roses should be winter hardy to at least USDA Zone 5 (-10° to -15°F). Towne & Country® roses are hardy to Zone 3 (-30° to -35°F). Use winter protection methods such as mounding soil and mulching in sub-zero climates. Container roses will be more vulnerable to freezing and should be moved or protected.

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Q: My potted rose is dropping leaves, flowers are drying and shriveling or buds are not forming at all. What should I do?

A: Most problems with roses relate to watering. Check your watering habits and follow the advice below.

Dry and shriveling flowers and buds are likely a result of the plant drying out. This can be serious, so water immediately. If the plant has lost a lot of leaves, you may be best to cut it back to about 2 inches. If the cut reveals a green-white stalk, new growth should begin to appear in 5 - 6 days. Keep in mind that a plant with fewer leaves requires less water. Watering becomes a delicate balancing act at this point.

Yellow leaves signal a problem with the root system which can be a result of either a too dry or too wet soil condition, or not enough light. If it lacks light, move the plant into an area with more light. During the recovery process you will need to water carefully. Watering should be done only once the soil begins to dry out.
The best watering method at this point is to place the pot on a saucer and water from below, being careful not to wet the foilage. By placing the rose on a saucer you will be better able judge when the rose has enough water. Stop watering when the water pools in the saucer. Wait 5 minutes and then drain the excess water ensuring the plant isn’t sitting in water.

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Q: Where can I buy Aldershot Greenhouses Ltd. potted roses?

A: Aldershot Greenhouses’ is the number one grower of potted roses in North America. These high-quality products are as easy to find as your local supermarket, corner grocery, department store or nursery.
Email us at enquires@agl.ca (live link) to find a retailer near you.

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