Rose Red Riding Hood Bush

• Originally developed as a compact rose variety, combining classic beauty with modern garden practicality for Australian conditions. Perfect for gardeners wanting traditional rose charm in smaller spaces.
• Features deep red, fragrant blooms that appear in flushes from spring through autumn, attracting beneficial pollinators to your garden. The compact bush habit reaches manageable proportions.
• Beloved by gardeners for its reliable flowering, disease resistance, and ability to thrive in Australian climates from cool temperate to warm zones. Creates stunning cut flower displays.
• Growth habit is neat and bushy, making it ideal for formal rose gardens, mixed borders, or container growing on patios and courtyards.

• Water deeply twice weekly during growing season, reducing in winter - check soil moisture 5cm down before watering. Water at soil level to prevent leaf diseases.
• Position in full sun location with morning sun essential for healthy growth and abundant flowering. Protect from strong afternoon winds in exposed positions.
• Plant in well-draining soil enriched with aged cow manure and compost, ensuring pH between 6.0-7.0 for optimal nutrient uptake.
• Feed monthly spring through autumn with rose fertiliser, supplementing with Epsom salts in spring for magnesium. Cease feeding in winter months.
• Prune in July-August removing dead, diseased wood and opening centre for air circulation. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.
• Mulch base with organic matter to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from stem to prevent collar rot.

• Provide full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and disease resistance. Morning sun is particularly important to dry dew from leaves quickly.
• Water deeply once or twice weekly at soil level, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Increase frequency during hot Australian summers.
• Plant in well-draining soil enriched with compost and maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Mulch around base to retain moisture.
• Feed monthly during growing season with rose-specific fertiliser high in potassium for abundant blooms. Reduce feeding in winter months.
• Prune in late winter to remove dead wood and encourage new growth, opening centre for good air circulation.

• Aphids can cluster on new growth and buds - spray with insecticidal soap or encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds. Check regularly during spring flush periods.
• Black spot appears as dark spots on leaves in humid conditions - ensure good air circulation and water at soil level rather than overhead. Remove affected foliage promptly.
• Thrips cause silvery damage to petals and leaves - use blue sticky traps and beneficial predatory mites for natural control.
• Root rot occurs from poor drainage or overwatering - plant in well-draining soil and allow surface to dry between waterings.