Floribundas are relatively low-care, as roses go. That is not to say that they do not need care, all roses do. If you want your Floribunda to thrive and produce the prolific and beautiful blooms it is known for, some effort, care, and maintenance are needed. That’s where we can help. If you get the basics right from the start the rest is easy.
We will explain exactly what needs to be done in order to reap the benefits of a healthy Floribunda with its famous bloom clusters. The results of good care are so rewarding and look spectacular.
We discuss the following:
Floribunda Hardiness
Hardiness is a relative term. While the Floribunda rose is more robust and tough compared to some other varieties, some care is needed. We discuss each specific aspect. The good news is that you do not need to pamper them, just give them a bit of attention from time to time. If you know what to do and when to do it, this process is easy.
Sun Requirements
The ideal place to plant a Floribunda is in full sun. They can handle some shade, but you want them to get at the very minimum 6 hours of direct sun. Any less than this your rose will not be in perfect health, and it will produce significantly fewer blooms and for a shorter period.
Where to Plant
Another factor to consider is that you want to plant the rose bush in an area that has some wind protection.
Ideal Soil
Floribunda roses prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6 to 6.5. You also want to have soil that is rich in organic matter and drains well.
More information on planting Floribundas can be found here.
Watering
Provided you have quality soil that is well-draining, you want to give your roses a fair amount of water.
Newly planted roses need more water as they settle and the roots develop. You want to water frequently as the roots have not been established and are not that efficient at absorbing water. This is especially true when it is hot and dry.
Keep an eye on the weather, the temperature, and the rainfall. This will help to guide you. If a newly planted rose is drooping or wilting it is often a sign that it is thirsty and needs water.
Once the plant is established, you can water less frequently. It can take up to a year for the plant to be fully established. They are relatively dormant during late fall and winter so infrequent watering during that period is fine. A good soak once a week is sufficient. In the warmer part of the year, spring, and summer, they need a good drenching once or twice a week.
Do not make the common mistake of giving them a small splash of water as this will do more harm than good. To allow the roots to grow correctly and sustain the rose going forward, you should give them a good soak of roughly 2 inches. The idea is to deeply penetrate the roots, encouraging them to grow deeper and stronger. This will make the rose bush hardier and less reliant on intermittent rain.
Naturally, if you have had decent rain, there is no need to water for a while. If it is extremely hot you can water the roses every day or two for best results.
Another point to note is that you want to water the base of the plant only. Do not water the leaves and flowers.
Roses planted in containers are very different from those grown in the ground and need to be treated accordingly. Pots will dry out faster than an established rose in the ground. They need to be watered more frequently.
The basic rule is that you should allow the soil to dry completely before watering again, but do not leave it too long. You can always test by dipping your finger into the soil to determine if it is dry or still wet. Again, your rose will “show” you if it needs water. It will start to droop or wilt when too dry. Keep a very close eye on them and the weather. Water as often as necessary according to the season and the climate.
While underwatering is not ideal for the plant, the most common mistake is to overwater. This will result in root rot or encourage other issues.
If your roses are planted in containers, their access to water will be more restricted than those planted in the ground and will need more water. We recommend sticking your finger into the first inch of topsoil and if it feels dry, you should water your rose.
Temperature and Humidity
The hardy Floribunda can handle temperatures as low as 10°F but only for a brief period. If they are exposed to lower temperatures, you might need to take additional precautions in the cold months.
If you are in a cold area, you can use frost cloth, fleece, sacking, or even bin liners. This is particularly important with young roses that have not established their hardiness. Be sure to remove the protection as the temperature warms.
Fertilizing
Essential nutrients are necessary for a successful Floribunda. Here are the best ways to do it:
We have discussed quality soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter. We will discuss this further in the section on Floribunda Planting (Link).
Soil is the foundation for a happy plant that performs well and produces the abundant blooms these roes are known for. You should add some bone meal to the mix and a dash of organic slow-release fertilizer to the soil when planting.
However, a bit of help from fertilizers will enhance the plant and increase the bloom yield.
Newly Planted Floribundas
As an emerging plant, a new rose needs a bit of help from fertilizers to develop and grow correctly. Give the plant some time to start to settle and then apply fertilizer. Liquid fertilizers are easy to use and effective. Start this a month after planting and repeat once there is significant new growth. Thereafter, repeat every three weeks. It need not be too strong, use a mild mix.
Another good tip is to add a bit of Epsom salt to the soil. Roughly a third of a cup mixed in with the soil will help to promote healthy growth.
Established Floribundas
As growth develops, less water and fertilizers are needed. The right combination will produce impressive results so do invest in fertilizer for your rose bush. As new growth develops in spring, add some fertilizer. At this stage, you want one that is nitrogen-rich. An organic slow-release fertilizer can be added a few times a month.
Towards the end of summer, use a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content. Cease fertilizing a few weeks before the cold sets in and the plant enters a dormant stage.
Potted Floribundas
Nutrients will leach out faster in a pot so a bit more fertilizer is a good practice.
The best fertilizers for roses are organic based. They are effective, affordable, and good for the environment. Organic fertilizers are safe and easy to use, and they also enrich the soil. You can, however, combine fertilizers for specific goals. The nutrients will enhance the health of the plant and result in more blooms of high quality.
We are not saying that one should not use synthetic fertilizers. They will benefit your rose collection and add value to their growth and flowering. A few products include insecticides making rose care even easier.
You want to water the plant before and after applying fertilizer. This will allow the essential nutrients to reach the roots while also reducing shock or root burn. Do not apply inorganic fertilizers on a particularly hot day.
Pruning Your Floribunda
Pruning is another plant care aspect that intimidates many novice rose growers. The process is quite simple and easy to do. The main goal is to give the rose bush an attractive shape and not allow it to get scraggly. You want to thin it out as the plant matures and any dead wood or damaged branches should be removed.
The old theory of cutting above a node is not critical. If you look at the structure you can determine the ideal sections to prune back. Spring is the best time to prune and shape your Floribunda. When pruning, use sharp and clean secateurs.
One last aspect related to pruning is to regularly deadhead your roses. As the flower loses structure and health it should be removed at the base of the flower. This will encourage more flowering. The exception is that if you want rose hips in the winter avoid deadheading all spent flowers.
Pests and How to Treat Them
If you have placed your Floribunda in the correct position, prepared the soil well, and taken basic care, you should not have many pest issues. The most common issue is aphids. One might also encounter spider mites, weevils, and mealybugs.
What you need to do is inspect the plant from time to time. You can normally notice an infection soon if you keep an eye on them, this will allow you to eradicate them before they become a threat.
Neem oil is one of the best treatments for rose pests.
Diseases and How to Treat Them
The hardy Floribunda rose can be suspectable to certain diseases, especially when planted in a damp area. One might note black spot, powdery mildew, sooty mold, and fungal disease. The first step is to determine if the rose is growing in the correct location. If these conditions occur, neem oil will help to treat it and prevent further damage.
Both pests and diseases tend to happen with plants under stress. If your rose bush is happy and healthy it will resist most concerns. Again, neem oil is one of the best treatments. It is affordable and highly effective.
Conclusion
Fear not, floribundas are easy to care for. If you follow the advice above, you will be rewarded with a stunning rose that keeps on giving. Only basic care is needed for a spectacular plant that will look amazing for many years.
