May is a critical time for roses in most growing zones. This is when new growth on your rose bushes really accelerates. Buds are forming, too, so what you do now will have a big impact on the quality and quantity of later blooms.

At this stage in the season, roses are putting a lot of energy into developing strong stems and healthy foliage to support those first flushes of flowers. It’s also when pests and diseases can begin to establish, so staying one step ahead will help prevent problems from taking hold just as your plants are gearing up to perform.

This May, tend to your rose garden with care, from feeding and fertilizing to refreshing mulch and careful pruning. The plants will thank you later with healthy growth and a spectacular summer display. Here’s what you should be doing now.

1. Add or Refresh Mulch

If you haven’t done so already, remove any winter protection from around your roses. When exactly it’s safe to remove depends on your growing zone and seasonal weather, but May is a good time in many places. Whatever your rose winterizing strategy was, undo it now and start preparing the summer mulch.

Mulch is important for roses during the growing season because it helps hold valuable moisture in the soil. It also helps suppress weeds, which compete with roses for water and nutrients and can spread pests and diseases.

Remove any old, decaying mulch and add fresh mulch around rose bushes to a depth of two to four inches (5 to 10 cm). Keep the mulch layer a couple of inches away from the bases of the stems to reduce the risk of rot.

The best mulch for roses includes wood chips, pine needles, or shredded bark. But you can also use compost to help improve the soil and boost nutrients – such as Heirloom Roses' Mint Compost, available on Amazon, which has the added benefit of helping to repel aphids, spider mites, and other insect pests.

2. Feed for Strong Growth and Abundant Flowers

Fertilizing roses is a must-do for spring. Your roses are actively growing now, and they need adequate nutrients for strong, healthy stems and foliage. Later, they will need energy to set buds and flower abundantly. May is the ideal time for their first feeding of the growing season.

You can use a product specifically designed for roses or an all-purpose, balanced fertilizer (10-10-10). Use a slow-release product, like Scotts Rose & Bloom Continuous Release Plant Food, so you don’t have to apply it as frequently. Use the product as directed, but be sure to water thoroughly after you apply it to prevent root burning.

3. Prune and Tidy Rose Bushes

If you garden in a warmer climate, you might have already done this spring chore. In colder climates, May is a good time for pruning roses. You want to be sure there is no chance the cut stems can be damaged by cold temperatures or frost. One pro tip is to watch forsythia in the area. If they’re starting to bloom, it’s a good time to prune roses.

Start with a sharp pair of garden shears – freshen the blade with a sharpener, like the Sharpal 103N All-in-1 Garden Tool Multi-Sharpener. Clean and disinfect them to prevent disease spread. Look for winter-damaged stems to trim off. You can then selectively prune back healthy canes to promote more vigorous growth or to ensure the center of the plant is more open. This improves air circulation and reduces the risk of disease.

In warmer climates, your roses might already be blooming. Start the season-long deadheading process by removing any blooms that are spent. This pushes more energy into additional flowers instead of seed production.

4. Start a Growing Season Watering Routine

As the growing season kicks into high gear, your rose bushes will get thirsty. Start your summer watering routine now with a schedule of regular, deep watering rather than more frequent, short bursts. One to two times per week is ideal, unless it’s raining and you can skip a watering session. It's a good idea to use a moisture meter, like the Yamron 4-in-1 Soil Moisture Meter, to check when you need to water.

Always water rose bushes at the bases of the canes rather than from overhead. Overhead watering causes water to collect on leaves and stems, which can lead to disease later. Keep the foliage as dry as possible with gentle watering that won’t splash back onto the leaves.

5. Manage Disease and Pests

Roses are unfortunately susceptible to fungal diseases and an array of pests. Proper pruning and watering will help you lower the risk of disease, but as new growth develops in May, it’s time to look for and address any troubling symptoms.

Black spot and powdery mildew might rear their ugly heads as early as May with warming temperatures and rising humidity. If you catch them early enough, treatment might be as simple as removing the affected leaves. If not, use appropriate fungicides, like BioAdvanced All-In-One Rose and Flower Plant Care Spray.

Pests to watch for include aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Again, with early detection, a simple solution can help you manage pests. Use a spray of water to disperse them or pick pests off by hand and drop them in a bucket of soapy water. If they persist, you can use neem oil or an insecticidal soap.

6. Expand Your Rose Garden

May is an ideal time in many areas to plant rose bushes, so now is a good time to grow your garden. It’s best to plant dormant, bare-root roses earlier in spring, so focus on potted plants from the garden center. FastGrowingTrees.com has a great selection, including Knock Out Roses and David Austin Roses.

To plant potted roses, dig a hole two times wider than the container and to a depth the height of the root ball. Be gentle with the roots as you remove the plant from the pot, but if it’s overgrown, you might need to cut off any roots emerging sideways from the root ball. Place the root ball in the hole and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly.

May Rose Care Essentials

Caring for roses in May is all about supporting rapid growth and getting ready for peak blooming season. With feeding, watering, mulching, and an eye on pests, you give your roses the best chances of healthy growth and abundant flowers.