Spray Roses – How to Care for Them and Growing Tips

Spray roses, also known as sweetheart roses, are a wonderful variety that come in clusters and offer a vivid vibe to your garden or floral arrangement. They are delicate, miniature roses and can also be grown in a pot. Let’s find out more about:

* What are spray roses
* Are spray roses suitable as a gift
* Spray roses growing tips
* Care tips for spray roses
* Different types of spray roses

What Are Spray Roses

Roses are a popular flower, but not so many people pay attention to their younger sibling, the spray rose. While the rose usually comes as a large bloom at the end of a long stem, the spray rose is a cluster, or a spray, of roses that can be grown in a pot.

The spray roses are also called floribunda roses due to the plethora of small blooms. They usually have numerous flowers nestled closely to each other in a cluster. The plethora of little roses are usually in different stages, from mature ones to tight buds.

Spray roses are often found in small bouquets, such as bridal ones and corsages. The bright foliage makes a beautiful contrast to the gorgeous flowers, and they are ideal for any small decoration. They are also known as sweetheart roses because they help to create a romantic atmosphere.

There are different types of spray roses. The single rose has only one layer of four to eight petals, followed up by semi-double ones that come with up to 25 petals. Lastly, double roses can have as many as 45 petals. Their color variety matches other types of roses and can be anything from pure white to a deep, passionate red.

Are Spray Roses Suitable as A Gift?

Spray roses make for beautiful gifts. They can be used to create a romantic atmosphere, but there is also another great advantage to them. You can buy them in a pot due to their miniature size. They are great for small spaces, such as small apartments or cubicles. They are very affordable and small while retaining the beauty and fragrance of roses.

Spray Roses Growing Tips

Growing spray roses is quite similar to the typical rose. If you want to enjoy a scented, healthy rose shrub, you need to make sure you plant them correctly. They enjoy full sun, with a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight. If you plant them in a shady area, they might not bloom to their full potential, and they also become sensitive and prone to develop diseases and attack pests.

There are usually two main types of spray roses:

Bare-root roses often become available in early spring. They come as a collection of roots in peat moss or a similar combo that retains moisture. It is best to purchase and plant these when they are dormant or in their early growth stage. They require the longest time to grow, but they are very affordable.

Another type is the container-grown rose shrub. You need to plant them in a hole that is twice as wide as the pot they come in. Make sure the hole is not deeper, only wider than the pot. Once you take the rose out, loosen the roots gently and place them in the hole. Fill it up with soil and water the plant well.

If you plant your roses in the summer, make sure you water them well, especially if the weather is hot. You can also add 3 inches of mulch over the soil in order to prevent weeds from growing and also to help the roses to retain moisture as you keep watering them.

Care Tips for Spray Roses

If you want lush and healthy bushes, it is important to prune them from time to time. Most people prune them in early spring, right before they start to grow. When you prune the plant, keep in mind to leave an open center, so there is enough airflow throughout the plant. Additionally, you need to cut all the dead branches or small and weak ones.

A great perk of planting spray roses in your garden is that they have continuous blooms. If you deadhead them from time to time, the spray roses can keep blooming all summer, up to the first frost. They do not require much maintenance; all you need to do is cut the faded flowers. This does not only make the spray rose to look better and healthier, but also encourages reblooming and prevents diseases. When cutting the faded rose, do so up the nearest leaf.

Another aspect of spray roses is that they genuinely love water. Offering them a steady supply of water helps them remain healthy and blooming all around summer. The watering needs to be as deep as possible, as this stimulates root growth deep into the soil, where it retains more moisture. For this reason, it is best to use a soaker hose to water it, keeping the leaves dry.

Different Types of Spray Roses

Spray roses come in a few beautiful varieties. Some of our favorites include:

The knock out rose comes in a wide variety of colors. They bloom for a long time and is a medium-sized shrub. They are ideal when planted along a fence because they are almost as wide as they are tall.

Easy elegance roses come with an unbelievable aroma. They are easy to care for, disease-resistance, and can handle adverse weather much better than other types.

The drift rose is relatively new and comes with extra tiny and delicate flowers. They are thick, full, and look exquisite when incorporated in a flowerbed.

Rosa ballerina is a subtle combination of deep pink and white petals. They attract birds and wildlife.

Rosa rugosa comes with red to violet blooms that have a cup shape. They have numerous scented petals and require minimal care.

All in all, spray roses are a must-have in any garden. They are beautiful, scented, and can be used to design the garden of your dreams.