How to Care for Carpet Roses

Carpet roses are well known as roses that don't require a lot of care in order to thrive. Besides being drought-tolerant and hardy, these flowers are disease-resistant. These low shrubs spread out as they grow and only need a basic pruning once a year in January. For those people who like the beauty of roses but don't enjoy dealing with high-maintenance flowers, carpet roses may be the solution.

Soil amendment

Water hose

Slow-release fertilizer

Pruning shears

Place or plant the roses in an area that will receive at least four hours of full sun each day. A place that receives sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon is ideal.

Add a soil amendment that is appropriate for the type of soil you have according to the product instructions. If you are unsure which type of soil amendment to choose, ask an expert at your local gardening center.

Water the roses once or twice per week with a water hose. Soak the ground thoroughly in order to provide the flowers with a deep watering.

Sprinkle a slow-release fertilizer, designated for carpet roses, once per year. Apply fertilizer each spring or at the beginning of the growing season in your area.

Lightly prune the bushes, once a year, in January. Don't spend a long time pruning. Simply shape up the bushes with a pair of pruning shears. Trim any expired flowers off right below the bloom, if desired.

It is not mandatory to trim the dead flowers from the bush, they will fall off without any assistance.