Rose Soul Mate Standard

• Standard roses are grafted onto a tall stem, creating an elegant tree-like form that adds height and structure to garden designs. The 90cm height makes it perfect for mixed borders and formal garden settings.
• Soul Mate varieties are bred for their romantic appeal, featuring fragrant blooms that make excellent cut flowers for indoor arrangements. The flowers typically display classic rose characteristics with multiple layers of petals.
• This rose type offers the advantage of keeping blooms at eye level, making it easier to appreciate the fragrance and beauty while also simplifying maintenance tasks like deadheading.
• Australian gardeners love standard roses for their ability to create instant impact in new gardens while providing years of reliable flowering performance.

• Water deeply 2-3 times weekly during growing season, directing water to soil level rather than leaves to prevent fungal issues. Reduce frequency in winter but maintain consistent soil moisture.
• Position in full sun location with at least 6 hours direct sunlight daily for best flowering and disease resistance. Ensure good air circulation around the plant.
• Plant in well-draining soil enriched with compost and aged manure, maintaining slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Mulch heavily around base with organic matter.
• Feed monthly during growing season with rose-specific fertiliser, supplementing with liquid seaweed solution fortnightly during peak growth periods.
• Prune in late winter removing dead, diseased and crossing branches, cutting back healthy growth by one-third to encourage vigorous spring growth.
• Deadhead spent blooms regularly throughout flowering season to encourage continuous blooming and maintain plant appearance.

• Plant in full sun locations receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering and disease resistance. Morning sun is particularly important for drying dew from leaves.
• Water deeply at soil level 2-3 times per week during growing season, avoiding wet foliage to prevent fungal diseases. Reduce watering in winter but don't let soil completely dry out.
• Apply thick organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the stem. Refresh mulch seasonally with compost or aged manure.
• Prune in late winter to remove dead wood and shape the plant, cutting back by one-third to encourage new growth and abundant blooms.

• Aphids can cluster on new growth and flower buds, causing distorted leaves and reduced flowering. Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects like ladybirds. Regular inspection helps catch infestations early.
• Black spot appears as dark spots on leaves, eventually causing yellowing and leaf drop. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Apply copper-based fungicide if needed.
• Thrips create silvery streaks on leaves and can damage flower petals. Remove affected foliage and use blue sticky traps to monitor populations.
• Scale insects appear as small brown bumps on stems and can weaken the plant. Scrape off manually or apply horticultural oil during dormant season.