Rosa Abraham Darby

Plant your English Rose 'Abraham Darby' in a sunny or lightly shaded location. English roses are tolerant but do not like excessive limestone. They will adapt to any garden as long as the soil is well worked and sufficiently rich. To plant your rose, work the soil by crumbling it and place an amendment, such as dried blood or dehydrated horn, at the bottom of the planting hole. Water generously after planting to remove any air pockets. Water regularly for a few weeks to facilitate root development. Pruning English roses is essential for flowering. At the end of winter, shorten the branches to 3-5 buds above the ground (at the lowest point), choosing an outward-facing bud for a more elegant habit. Take advantage of this pruning to remove dead wood and unsightly branches. Prune at an angle above a bud. As the flowers bloom, remove faded flowers to stimulate the growth of other buds. To combat rust, watch for the appearance of powdery spots on the underside of leaves, immediately remove infected leaves and spray the plant with a horsetail brew.