Caring for your Roses

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The Royal National Rose Society




			RNRS Trials The outcome of various product and practice trials are published from time to time in The Rose.This is an update on some of the trials. Pruning Trial: The results, using three different methods as last year - conventional, minimal, and by means of a hedge trimmer - were much the same as the previous year, viz. More flowers produced where minimal and hedge-trimmer techniques were used. Three varieties - "Scarlet Queen Elizabeth", "Congratulations" and "Mullard Jubilee" - had reached phase three of the trial in which they were rejuvenated by hard-pruning so that we can see if there are any long-term drawbacks arising from this trial. All these varieties responded very well and we conclude that the rejuvenation can be carried out satisfactorily after a period of years. Plastic Mulch Trial: In a very dry summer, when roses were slow to repeat their bloom, the bed of "Valencia", covered with black micro-perforated polythene to conserve moisture, was a picture - proof enough that covering the soil in this way is of considerable benefit to the plants. The trial will continue for some years to see if there are any ill-effects from the use of a material which prevents organic matter from accessing the soil. Sodium-Bicarbonate Trial: A large bed of "Memento" was divided into three parts. At one end the roses were sprayed every two weeks with a solution of Sodium Bicarbonate at the recommended strength. The other end of the bed was sprayed with the fungicide normally used in the gardens. The central area was left unsprayed. The central unsprayed area was the first to show fungus problems. The part sprayed with Sodium Bicarbonate solution remained clear for a further three weeks before becoming affected. The area sprayed according to the normal programme did not show any sign of disease throughout the summer. When conclusions do we draw? The Sodium Bicarbonate does appear to have a limited amount of control of Mildew and Blackspot. Rosarians not wishing to use other fungicides for environmental reasons, could try it for themselves, it will not do any harm.