How to grow a rose at home?

Our whistle stop guide to growing roses at home

Roses are among the most loved flowers across British gardens, and for good reason. With their timeless beauty, diverse colours, and fragrant blooms, roses add elegance to any outdoor space. But like all plants, they need attention and that means understanding how to care for them season by season. This friendly guide will walk you through common issues to look out for, and how to give your rose bush the care it needs to flourish throughout the year.

Spring

Spring marks the awakening of your rose bush after winter dormancy. As new shoots appear, so do some of the more common early-season diseases like black spot, powdery mildew and rust.

Black spot presents as dark blotches on leaves that eventually fall off. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powder-like film on leaves and stems. Rust appears as orange pustules on the underside of leaves.

Increase watering to help your rose burst back into life and consider mulching the base of the bush to retain moisture. Mulching also helps suppress weeds and maintain an even soil temperature.

Spring Rose Buds

Summer

During the summer months, roses thrive, but so do pests. Keep an eye out for aphids (often green and clustered on buds), spider mites (which cause speckled yellowing on leaves), and caterpillars (known for chewing foliage).

Water your rose early in the morning to reduce stress during the heat of the day. Always water at the base, not over the leaves as droplets can magnify sunlight and scorch the plant. Remove any water left on leaves with a soft cloth to prevent burning.

Pink rose in bloom

Autumn

As autumn sets in, your rose will start preparing for winter. This is the time to tidy and assess its health. Diseases like rose rust, leaf spot and stem cankers become more visible. Yellow leaves and purple / black marks on stems are common indicators.

Don't panic about yellowing leaves, this is a natural part of dormancy. Continue to water during dry spells and prune back dead or damaged stems to support healthy regrowth next year.

Winter

In winter, roses fall dormant. While fewer diseases occur, problems like waterlogging and crown rot can still develop if drainage is poor. Mould and yellowing foliage may appear if the plant sits in soggy conditions.

Cut back any remaining dead growth and mulch around the base to protect roots from freezing. Water less frequently, only when the soil is dry and temperatures are above freezing. Avoid watering in the evening, as water may freeze overnight.

Year round rose bush care summary

Growing roses is rewarding and uplifting, offering joy throughout the seasons. To keep your rose bush thriving, follow these year-round care tips:

  • Inspect regularly for signs of pests or disease
  • Water in the morning and only at the base
  • Mulch in spring and winter
  • Prune in autumn and early spring
  • Use organic feed during the growing season

With a little attention and seasonal know-how, your rose bush will reward you with vibrant blooms and lasting beauty.

About Mytree™

Every rose bush from Tree2mydoor comes with free access to Mytree™, our personalised aftercare and gift messaging service. With monthly email reminders and tailored care tips, your recipient will know exactly how to keep their rose bush thriving in every season. It's our way of making sure your gift keeps giving, year after year.