Feeding your roses will encourage strong, healthy growth and abundant flowering. It’s a relatively quick and simple task, yet is one of the most beneficial jobs you can do to ensure that your roses are at their most healthy and floriferous when summer arrives.

WHY FEED YOUR ROSE?

We recommend feeding your rose with our improved David Austin Rose Food which is coated in soybean-based resin. Our advanced formula means that you now only need to feed your rose once a year to encourage strong, healthy growth and abundant flowering. 

This formula is a much more environmentally friendly way to look after your rose as it releases nutrients at the optimum time by using soil temperature and moisture levels to understand your rose’s needs, making sure there is no wastage.  


WHEN TO FEED ROSES

 

In late March/early April, just before the leaves are fully open. Follow immediately with mulching.


You will need

DAVID AUSTIN ROSE FOOD          HAND FORK         WATERING CAN      GLOVES


How TO FEED ROSES

Step 1: Clear the ground under your rose

Firstly, ensuring you are wearing your gloves, use your hand fork to remove weeds, old leaves and other debris from the base of your rose.

Step 2: Sprinkle rose food around the base of the rose

Sprinkle approximately 30g of David Austin Rose Food around the base of your rose, using the measuring scoop provided. Spread the food evenly around the base of the rose, to the width of the canopy.

For shrub roses apply 30g per rose
For climbing roses apply 60g per rose.

GARDENER'S TIP: Do not be tempted to over-feed – this will, in fact, do more harm than good.

Step 3: Mix the rose food into the soil

Gently mix the rose food into the surrounding soil using your hand fork.

Step 4: Water your rose

If the ground is dry, water your rose.

Follow with mulching.

It is important to follow the feeding of your rose with mulching. Watch our Head Gardener Steve as he gives you all of the tips you need to successfully mulch your roses.



more rose care advice

How to plant a potted shrub rose

By following these simple steps, you will ensure your potted shrub rose gets off to the best possible start.

How to deadhead roses

There are two stages to deadheading. The first is mainly aesthetic, removing the brown finished blooms so you can enjoy the remaining flowers without interruption. The second stage encourages new blooms and helps to maintain a compact shape.

how to mulch your roses

Mulching is the addition of a protective layer around the base of your roses. This process helps your roses to retain moisture, suppresses weeds and provides valuable nutrients for your roses as they grow.

planting distances

Follow this simple guide on planting distances for a successful garden.