How to keep your roses happy through the summer

Summer is one of the most beautiful seasons in the rose garden. Longer days and warm temperatures encourage abundant blooms, but a few simple practices can make all the difference in keeping your roses healthy, vigorous, and flowering beautifully through the hottest months of the year.

1. Water deeply. Deep watering encourages stronger roots and healthier plants. Rather than frequent shallow watering, provide a thorough soaking several times each week so moisture reaches deep into the root zone. Morning is ideal — it gives the leaves time to dry before evening and reduces the chance of fungal issues.

2. Feed for continuous blooms. Roses are heavy feeders, especially during their peak growing season. Regular fertilizing helps support strong growth, healthy foliage, and an abundance of repeat blooms throughout summer. I use a balanced, rose-specific feed every four to six weeks from late spring through early fall, easing off as the first frost approaches.

3. Deadhead spent flowers. Removing faded blooms encourages your rose to direct its energy into producing new flowers rather than developing seed heads. Just a few minutes of deadheading each week can keep your garden looking fresh and colorful. Cut back to a five-leaflet leaf — that's where the next strong stem will emerge.

4. Support roses during heat waves. When temperatures climb, blooms may be smaller or fade more quickly than they do in spring. This is completely normal. Consistent watering and proper nutrition will help your roses continue performing beautifully through periods of intense heat. A layer of mulch around the base also keeps the root zone cool and holds moisture longer.

5. Protect healthy foliage. Healthy leaves are the foundation of a healthy rose. Monitor your plants regularly and maintain good air circulation around the garden to support vigorous growth and continued flowering. If you see black spot or mildew starting, remove affected leaves promptly and make sure the plant has enough space and sun to dry out quickly after rain.

6. Enjoy every bloom. Summer roses are meant to be enjoyed. Cut bouquets for your home, share flowers with friends, and take time to appreciate the beauty and fragrance your garden provides throughout the season. A rose you cut in the morning will often last a week in water — longer if you add a little floral preservative and keep it out of direct sun.

A healthy rose is a blooming rose. A few simple steps throughout summer can reward you with months of beautiful flowers. If you're looking for varieties bred to perform through the heat, browse the garden roses here.