Households growing roses issued warning as UK temperatures soar

As the UK emerges from its third heatwave, temperatures are looking to soar again – leaving many of your precious plants parched. It’s a particularly tough time for roses, which are notoriously thirsty plants. As many species of rose typically thrive in the mild British climate, the inflated temperatures and prolonged dry spells can prove tough for these delicate flowers.

Signs that your roses are suffering from the heat include wilting leaves, drooping flowers, and brown, curling leaves. Other worrying signs include stunted growth, dropped leaves and fading flower colours. In extreme cases, they can even die from exposure to high temperatures.

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You may also notice the soil around your roses becoming dry and cracked. This is because water evaporates faster in dry, hot conditions, before it can be absorbed by your plant’s roots.

Garden experts from David Austin Roses urge that gardeners need to be extra vigilant when it comes to watering their roses. They explain: “Good watering helps your rose stay strong through these challenges.”

They continue: “It cools the roots, eases stress and allows the plant to keep growing even in difficult conditions. For roses planted this year, it’s especially important. Their roots are still developing, and they can’t yet reach water held deep in the soil.”

David Austin Roses says that you should water newly planted roses every other day. Meanwhile, for established roses, once or twice a week “may be enough if the watering is thorough”.

Though they also add that the soil is well mulched. Mulch is a layer of organic or inorganic material spread on top of the soil surface, which can help retain water.

However, David Austin Roses adds that the best way to know when to water is to check the soil. They recommend digging down “two or three inches” with your fingers or a small trowel. If the soil feels dry at that depth, then you should add water.

They also caution not to neglect watering flowers in the event of a small summer shower, as, in many cases, it doesn’t actually reach the plant roots.

To get the best results from watering, you should also water slowly and directly to the roots, as this allows the rose to make the most of it. You can use either a watering can or hose.

You should also take care to always water at the base. Meanwhile, David Austin Roses also urges gardeners to avoid wetting the leaves and flowers, as this can lead to disease - particularly in warm conditions.