Spring Rose Care in the Desert Southwest: Pruning, Deep Watering, and Soil Amendments

Pruning (Now)

1. Dead wood out.
2. Remove canes < #2 pencil thickness.
3. Remove crossing canes (grow inward).
4. Cut remaining canes back 1 inch at a time until pith is clean white.
5. Final cut ¼ inch above outward-facing bud eye.

Drip Irrigation

2–3× weekly, 30–45 min run time (wet soil 12–14 inches deep). Mulch heavily (manure or shredded pine bark).

Feeding & Soil

• Balanced fertilizer (13-13-13) + handful Epsom salt + handful gypsum.
• Western soils alkaline → add iron sulfate or soil sulfur.
• Organic options: GardensAlive.com catalog.

Spray Only As Needed

Fungicide weekly if fungus history. Insecticide only when pests seen.