Roses are an extremely tolerant plant and do very well in the Orlando and Central Florida area. They stand up well to our erratic climate, characterized by excessively hot summers, soggy springs and sometimes bitter cold winters. That being said, they require little care outside of pruning for the gardener with little time to spare. However, if given just a bit of extra attention they often stand out as exceptional landscape additions.

Roses enjoy deep watering, but only at the base. Just like some leguminous plants, they can be harmed by water on their leaves and flowers. These plants also benefit from fertilizer, which should be applied every month from February to November. Removing spent flowers will increase their ability to produce more blooms, and remember, December is prime time to prune away shoots, stray branches and give it an overall “cleaning.”

Simple care can lead to a thriving bush with a constant supply of aromatic flower, making it a perfect Florida plant.