How to feed a rose

Feeding Roses

Feeding your roses will encourage strong, healthy growth and abundant flowering. It’s a relatively quick and simple task, yet is one of the most beneficial jobs you can do to ensure that your roses are at their most healthy and floriferous when summer arrives.

Why do roses need feeding?

Roses are eager to grow and flourish, and like all plants, they benefit from a steady supply of nourishment to help them reach their full potential. Regular care ensures they stay healthy and vibrant throughout the season. When properly fed, they’ll develop strong, deep roots, lush, healthy leaves, and, of course, those beautiful blooms we all adore. But feeding your roses isn’t just about making them look good - it’s about giving them the care they need to feel strong and resilient throughout the season. Think of it as a way of supporting them, helping them flourish and reach their full potential. When you feed your roses the right nutrients at the right time, you’re not just encouraging their growth – you’re setting them up to flourish in every way, so they can bloom with abundance.

We recommend feeding your rose with our improved  David Austin Rose Food which is coated in soybean-based resin. Our advanced formula means that you now only need to feed your rose once a year to encourage strong, healthy growth and abundant flowering. 

This formula is a much more environmentally friendly way to look after your rose as it releases nutrients at the optimum time by using soil temperature and moisture levels to understand your rose’s needs, making sure there is no wastage.  

You will need

Hand fork

Gloves

David Austin Controlled Release Rose Food

Watering can

Slow- or Controlled-Release Rose Feed: Easy, long-lasting nourishment

A granular slow- or controlled-release rose feed is a practical choice for those who prefer something low-maintenance but still effective. This type of feed releases nutrients slowly over time, so you won’t need to worry about reapplying it frequently. It provides your roses with a steady supply of nourishment, allowing them to grow strong and healthy throughout the season without needing constant attention. It’s a simple way to support your roses without the hassle, ensuring they get what they need to thrive.

When to use:

Apply it in late March or early April, just before the new growth starts. This ensures that your roses are getting the nutrients they need right at the start of their growing season.

Follow immediately with mulching.

Feeding during the summer

If you've used David Austin Controlled Release Rose Food in the spring, your plants are already receiving a balanced mix of essential nutrients tailored for optimal growth. For additional feeding, especially during peak bloom times, you can supplement with tomato feed. This provides an extra boost of potassium, promoting robust blooming and healthy foliage. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully regarding the correct amount and frequency of application, as over-fertilising can be detrimental to the roses.

Why it works:

Slow-release means you don’t have to feed as often – it’s less work for you.
The gradual release of nutrients helps avoid the risk of overfeeding.
It strengthens the root system and encourages healthy, vibrant growth throughout the year.

Step by step guide

Step 1
Clear the ground under your rose

Firstly, ensuring you are wearing your gloves, use your hand fork to remove weeds, old leaves and other debris from the base of your rose.
Step 2
Sprinkle rose food around the base of the rose

Sprinkle approximately 30g of David Austin Rose Food around the base of your rose, using the measuring scoop provided. For shrub roses apply 30g, for climbing or rambling roses apply 60g.
STEP 3
Water your rose

If the ground is dry, water the rose. For best results follow immediately with mulching.

Liquid Seaweed Feed: A natural energy boost

Liquid seaweed feed can be a gentle yet effective way to help your roses along. Packed with natural nutrients, it encourages strong root growth and nurtures their overall health. The feed works quietly, giving them the resilience they need to bounce back and regain their strength, helping them settle in and thrive once more. It’s a tender way to show your roses that little bit of extra attention they deserve.

When to Use:

Liquid seaweed feed is a wonderful way to nourish your roses throughout the growing season. It provides them with the support they need to grow strong and flourish, enhancing their natural resilience and encouraging vibrant, healthy blooms. Perfect for giving your roses a little extra care, it helps them thrive in any stage of growth.

Why It Works:

Seaweed helps strengthen roots, which is key to healthy growth.
It boosts the plant’s natural immunity, making it more resistant to pests and diseases.
As a completely natural feed, it’s a great choice for organic gardeners.

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Tomato Feed: Not just for tomatoes

High in potassium, tomato feed is fantastic for encouraging more blooms and better flower production. The potassium helps your roses create stronger, healthier flowers and even improves their resistance to diseases. If you want to get the best out of your rose blooms, tomato feed is a good option.

When to Use:

Apply it throughout the growing season, especially once your roses begin to bloom. This will help ensure the flowers are healthy and vibrant throughout the season.

Why it works:

Potassium encourages better blooms and stronger flowers.
It improves disease resistance, which is particularly helpful during the flowering phase.
It’s ideal for roses in pots or containers, where nutrients can deplete more quickly.

Mycorrhizal Fungi: Helping the roots

Roses need healthy roots to grow well, and mycorrhizal fungi are a great way to help support them. These beneficial fungi form a symbiotic relationship with the plant’s roots, helping them absorb more water and nutrients from the soil. This gives your roses a better foundation for growth and makes them more resilient, particularly in dry conditions. If you’re planting new roses or transplanting, this is a good option to ensure their roots establish properly.

When to use:

Use mycorrhizal fungi when planting new roses or transplanting. It’s especially helpful when establishing roses in a new garden spot.

Why it works:

The fungi promote healthier, more extensive root systems.
They help the plant withstand drought and nutrient-poor soil.
By supporting the roots, they ultimately lead to more abundant flowering and better overall growth.

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How to choose the right feed for your roses

Ultimately, caring for your roses means understanding what they need at different stages of their growth. A slow-release feed will quietly nourish them over time, while liquid seaweed feed gently supports their roots and helps them bounce back from any stress. If you’re hoping for more blooms, tomato feed can encourage just that, while mycorrhizal fungi gives new or transplanted roses the best possible start. Each feed offers something unique, and when used together, they’ll help your roses thrive in a way that feels natural and effortless.

A few tips for effective feeding:

Timing is key: When you feed your roses matters. Slow-release feed works best early in the season, while liquid feeds can be used throughout the growing period when your roses need a little more care.
Don’t overdo it: Roses can’t thrive if they’re overfed. Stick to the recommended guidelines for each type of feed, as too much can be harmful.
Prep the soil: Before feeding, take a moment to clear away dead leaves, weeds, and debris from around the base of your roses. This ensures that the nutrients reach the roots directly.

Rose food and accessories

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