Are you whining about your roses? Here’s how to battle pests, black spot and poor bloomers

The second week of June can be called the “Days of Whine and Roses,” as gardeners whine about aphids, black spot and roses that fail to bloom. Here in Western Washington I can promise you a rose garden, but you need to respect the needs of America’s favorite flower.

Happy roses want sunshine, good drainage and lots to eat in the form of fertilizer, compost and manure. In our gray climate, they also do best with one more luxury: space. Good air circulation is what keeps the fungus among us from settling in on rose foliage in the form of black spots, yellowing leaves and powdery white mildew.

Q. What are the best roses to grow in Bonney Lake? I am determined to grow roses but the plants I have ordered online arrive small and stay that way. Any suggestions? — M.G., Bonney Lake

A. The first thing is to stop ordering plants online when you live near some excellent local nurseries that sell healthy roses that do best in our area.

In Sumner, you have Windmill; in Puyallup, Watsons; and I have also seen healthy potted roses at Kent East Hill, and Molbaks in Woodinville. Western Washington is a haven for independent nurseries that sell locally grown plants that do not have to suffer by being boxed up and sent through the mail.

Some varieties that do well here are the David Austin roses such as the disease-resistant “Pretty Lady Rose” with fragrant double pink blooms, the dwarf rose “The Fairy,” and if you want a traditional high-bred tea rose, “Peace” continues to be improved. Shrub roses such as “Bonica” and “Flower Carpet” need little pruning or spraying.

The reality is your soil in Bonney Lake is full of rocks and lacking in organic matter or fertility. Improve your soil with compost, manure and rotted leaf mold before you add roses. Take note of what blooms well in your neighbors’ rose gardens or in public gardens. You can have beautiful roses no matter where you live in Western Washington and it is not too late to buy blooming roses in pots from a local nursery.

Q. My garden is full of moles and voles. I know this is why some of my roses wilt and struggle as I find burrows around them. Can I grow all roses in large half whiskey barrels? I am thinking container gardening is the answer for me. I have tried trapping the moles but just don’t have the heart for it. — T.,Email

A. Yes! Roses are happy in containers as long as you provide good drainage, fertilize and water correctly. Add extra drainage holes to those half barrels or use any large pot that provides at least 2 square feet of soil for each rose plant. You can add small annuals such as alyssum and spring pansies around the base of your roses.

Use potting soil and add a shovel full of compost mixed in to help hold moisture. Fertilize in spring, fertilize after the first set of blooms, and fertilize in July to keep your potted roses in bloom. Most roses need six hours of sun and an open area with good air circulation to bloom best. No need to contain your enthusiasm for rose growing, just contain the roses.

Q. What do your recommend as a climbing rose to go over an arbor? It must have fragrance. Thank you. — J., email

A. There are two old roses that have been excellent performers in our climate. The classic pink rose “Cecile Brunner” is an enthusiastic grower and the deep pink old rose “Zephrine” is not only nearly thornless but flowers in part shade as well.

Keep in mind that most climbers have a strong bloom season in June then only a few flowers the rest of the summer. If you have the room and want more color, add another climber such as a clematis vine to extend the artistry on the arbor.

Marianne Binetti has a degree in horticulture from Washington State University and is the author of several books. Reach her at binettigarden.com.