Are You Ready for Roses? New Products and Proven Favorites for Success

New Products and Reliable Favorites Ensure Success When Growing Roses

After 20+ years gardening and writing, I still learn new things about backyard plants, insects, and critters—gardening is never boring. My background includes landscaping, organic farming, plant pathology research, and a cut-flower business. A few years ago my husband and I bought an old Victorian house and run a pet-friendly B&B; I've spent summers renovating and adding garden beds. My husband asks when I'll be done; I answer, “Never!” Gardening is a process, not a goal.

Cultivated since ancient times by Greeks and Romans, revered by Asian and Middle Eastern empires, roses remain one of the world's most popular flowers. Designated the U.S. national floral emblem in 1986, thousands of varieties exist in an astonishing range of colors and fragrances. From low-growing “carpet” roses to towering climbers, there's a rose for every space. No wonder they're cherished!

Roses have a reputation for needing special care, but many modern roses are nearly trouble-free. Selecting the right variety for your site, choosing disease-resistant types, and giving simple care goes a long way toward healthy roses.

Here are some new rose-care products and long-time customer favorites to help you get the most from your roses.

Feeding Roses Naturally Is as Easy as 1-2-3

Biltmore® Rose Care Kit

The new Biltmore® Rose Care Kit results from seven years of testing on 1,500+ rose varieties by Paul Zimmerman, owner of Paul Zimmerman Roses. His goal: natural products that boost overall plant health and reduce disease. The organic kit includes Spring Feed (slow-release granular fertilizer for early growth and blooming), Summer Feed (for summer-long blooms), both with diverse nutrient blends roses need. Plus a one-quart bottle of Rose Boost™ Liquid Concentrate (worm castings with proprietary probiotics). Dilute and spray on foliage and soil to support healthy roots, improve drought tolerance, and help fight disease. Treats 10 roses for one season.

Innovative Spray Enhances Roses' Natural Stress Tolerance

Jaz™ Rose Spray

Heat, drought, and other stresses weaken roses, making them susceptible to insects and diseases. New Jaz™ Rose Spray is a safe, eco-friendly way to grow healthier, more beautiful roses. It strengthens plants' immune systems to better withstand environmental stress. Jaz contains MDHJ, a natural plant-strengthening substance related to jasmonate compounds found in plants. Applied to foliage, it triggers production of defense compounds (antioxidants, phenolics, protective proteins), promotes long-lasting blooms, and reduces foliage yellowing. Spray roses 2–4 times monthly for up to eight months.

All-in-One Organic Rose Care Solution Fends Off Pests and Disease

It's an insecticide, fungicide, and miticide—and it's organic! Made from neem seed oil, Rose Rx 3-in-1 prevents and controls black spot (common rose disease) and powdery mildew. Controls spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, and repels Japanese beetle feeding. Active ingredient extracted from tropical neem tree seeds. Ready-to-spray bottle makes it a convenient one-spray solution.

Grub Guard

Milky Spore

A Three-Prong Approach to Controlling Japanese Beetles

A Japanese beetle with a skeletonized grape leaf.

In many regions, Japanese beetles devastate roses and other plants by skeletonizing leaves and ruining flowers. Minimize damage by attacking both larval and adult stages:

1. Grub Guard contains beneficial nematodes that attack soil-dwelling beetle grubs. Works within 48 hours, lasts all summer. Unlike chemicals, won't harm earthworms or most beneficial insects; safe for people and pets.
2. Milky Spore provides long-term control. Contains microscopic bacteria (Bacillus popilliae) that kill grubs before adulthood. Soil population increases yearly, peaking at ~3 years, lasting 10+ years. Safe for people, pets, beneficial soil organisms.
3. Fast-acting Japanese Beetle Killer (pyrethrin-based) controls adult beetles. Ready-to-spray for quick “knock-down” of hard-to-kill adults.

Supports for Climbing Roses

Jardin Rose Arch

Rosedale Arch

A rose-covered arch makes a delightful garden entrance. Unlike shrub roses, climbers form extra-long flowering canes that must be tied to supports.

Jardin Rose Arch: Classic, affordable, simple design showcases climbers. Powder-coated tubular steel with antiqued finish, 52″ wide × 22″ deep × 96″ H installed.

Rosedale Arch: Grand entrance with beautiful, exceptionally weather-resistant Western red cedar pergola-style arch. Choose width—36, 42, or 48 inches. Leave natural, paint, or stain.

Rose Accessories

Gold Leaf Tough Touch Gloves

Rose Thorn Stripper

Gold Leaf Tough Touch™ Gloves protect hands, wrists, forearms—warm and dry even in thorny situations. Premium deerskin leather specially treated for water resistance, thin lining for extra protection, superior dexterity, all-day comfort.

The clever Rose Thorn Stripper effortlessly removes thorns from stems for arranging cut flowers without pricked fingers. Wrap blades around stem and pull down to strip thorns and leaves.

More Information

• Success with Roses
• Solutions for Japanese Beetle Control