Sydney's rose year is a bit like Australia's financial year. It ends in June, and starts afresh in July. Or at least it's supposed to. Look at these two photos, taken today:
The above is Monsieur Tillier, a tea rose (not the hybrid tea class that dominates the world of roses today). Tea roses are renowned for their disease resistance and non-stop blooming in temperate climates. I planted this rose 9 months ago. Rather than slowing down for winter, this flush is almost like acceleration! There are almost 30 buds on this bush.
This giant of a bush is Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. It's now over 7 feet tall after just 11 months. The Dame shrugged off a small mildew attack in the wet autumn months and has come back for more.
Below is a photo of Voodoo. It's been struggling with black spot and is definitely slowing down for winter - but not before putting out some enormous, fragrant final blooms. This one is only half open, and will spread a good deal wider than it currently is (14 cm when this photo was taken):
As usual, late autumn blooms tend to be some of the finest coloured, best formed, longest lasting and best scented. Perhaps the waning of our summer heat allows them to develop better in the bud before displaying their wares to us.
And now, to winter. Is it time to prune yet? No. Save that for mid to late July. How about feeding? That needs to ease off. I am giving my roses weekly Seasol, but nothing containing the high growth stimulants nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Pruning time will be perfect for adding slow release, organic foods that will release those nutrients next spring when the roses need them most.
As promised last month, I've decided which roses will be replaced for the new season (sorry, I already have grateful takers for my discards!):
I need to find a place for Benjamin Britten, a new orange-red beauty from David Austin. I also need another pink to replace the deceased Radio Times - which finally succumbed to poor drainage in my clay front bed. I need something close to bulletproof to survive in its place. Queen Elizabeth and Duchesse de Brabant are the frontrunners so far, but feel free to mail in your suggestions!
Have a nice winter. See you next month.
Daniel.