Tips and tricks for growing Australian roses

Roses are characteristic of traditional English gardens, and while they have become a much-loved feature of Australian homes, they are not naturally suited to our climate. However, the effects of the warmer conditions make rose growing in Australia quite unique, so we can fairly speak about cultivating "Australian" roses. 

Vivienne Etter from The Swiss Rose Garden Nursery is well aware of the challenges of growing roses in warmer climates. She believes that roses naturally thrive in cooler states like Victoria, while in Western Australia they need diligent watering and a hardy rootstock known as Fortuniana to succeed.

"Australian roses grown on Fortuniana rootstock are relatively drought resistant, but they need daily watering during the first summer that they are planted," she says. "After that, the rose will develop a good root system and can survive on being watered only twice a week."

The best soil and light conditions for growing Australian roses

According to Vivienne, ensuring that your soil contains lots of organic matter before planting will give Australian roses the best chance of success. Fertilising is also important and should be done every six to eight weeks during the flowering period.

Australian roses, as with all roses, enjoy light rather than shade and some varieties can flower for up to six months at a time in temperate climates. Some even take on a different appearance after being drenched in sun.

Colours

"Colours change a little, depending on how hot the area is," notes Vivienne. "The colours also change in the summer, as the sun's intensity bleaches them a little. What would be described as a black-red rose in spring or autumn becomes a red rose during summer."

No matter where your garden is located, there are some common practices to observe when it comes to growing Australian roses. A healthy plant will produce a lot of blooms that should be routinely trimmed. "It is essential that spent blooms are cut off to encourage new flowers," says Vivienne.

The benefit is that you get to enjoy the flowers both inside and out, but caution should be exercised when pruning. "Cutting the stems about halfway down, just above an outward-facing leaf node (rather than just nipping the old flower heads off), will encourage strong new flower shoots," says Vivienne.

What bugs roses

Roses are unfortunately prone to diseases and bugs, such as aphids, that eat the leaves and petals. The best way to combat disease is to keep the plant strong and healthy, but bugs may require an insecticide. Environmentally aware gardeners may consider a more natural insecticide made from a pyrethrin base, but the product would need to be applied more frequently.