Nothing dampens a gardener's spirits quite like seeing their prized roses struggle during a heatwave.
Wilted leaves, scorched petals and rapid moisture loss can leave plants looking beyond repair, but with a little know-how, a few simple steps can help protect rose bushes and shrubs during periods of extreme heat.
"A common problem for flowers in hot weather is overheating, particularly for darker coloured plants. Deep pinks, reds and purples absorb more heat from the sun, so petals can scorch surprisingly quickly," says Elise Harlock at Prestige Flowers. "That is often why flowers start looking papery even when the soil is still damp."
Take a look at how to protect your roses from the heat and stop them from wilting:
1. Create temporary cover
"Rather than moving sun-loving plants entirely into shade, create a temporary cover during the hottest part of the afternoon," says Elise. "Moving taller neighbouring plants or even putting up an umbrella for a few hours can help reduce stress without affecting flowering."
2. Water in the morning
During a heatwave, water your roses in the morning to prevent plant stress.
"When water sits around warm foliage overnight, it increases the risk of mildew and fungal problems," says Elise. "Flowers need moisture, but they also need air circulation. Watering in the morning gives roots time to absorb moisture before the hottest temperatures arrive, while allowing leaves and petals to dry naturally during the day."
Elise also suggests watering slowly to help flowers become more resilient. "Their roots travel further down into cooler soil," she says.
3. Mulch your plant
"Mulching can help the soil of your roses retain moisture during hot weather, limiting water loss and keeping the roots as cool as possible," says Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture.
"Using an organic mulch, such as bark chippings or compost, will have even more benefits, as this will naturally break down over time to improve soil structure and add nutrients. Apply a layer of mulch a few inches thick around the base of the rose plants, leaving a small gap between the mulch and the base of the stem."
4. Move potted roses into the shade
If your roses are potted, Richard recommends moving them into shadier spots as their soil heats up and dries out much faster than the soil of roses in the ground.
"Choose a location that receives morning sun but afternoon shade. This move does not need to be permanent, and can just be for a short period until conditions cool again," he says.
"The material and colour of the pot can also affect the plants, with lighter coloured pots reflecting heat better and ceramic pots insulating roots better. If you only have dark plant containers, you can try wrapping these in lighter coloured fabric or placing them inside larger, lighter coloured pots."
You'll have thriving roses all summer long.
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Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
