Who doesn't love roses. They are such symbols of beauty and love. But they can be difficult to grow. Especially the antique varieties. Growing roses organically is possible and very rewarding.
Growing roses organically means working with nature instead of against it. You can avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, creating a healthier garden ecosystem that benefits beneficial insects, soil microorganisms, and your family. Plus, organic roses often develop better natural resistance to pests and diseases over time.
This article will help you grow fabulous roses in USDA Zones 5 & 6 and discusses some fun things we can make from them.
Im a sucker for the roses named after famous people and have been known to pick a rose by the name regardless if it fits my needs. Probably you shouldn't do that.
Best Rose Types for Zones 5 & 6
Zones 5 and 6 experience winter temperatures that can drop to -10°F to -20°F, so choosing cold-hardy varieties is crucial for success.
Understanding the types of roses helps select varieties best suited to your gardening goals:
Hybrid Tea Roses: Hybrid Tea Roses have large, blooms and are ideal for cutting. But they can be harder to maintain compared to other rose types, as they are susceptible to diseases and pests. The fun thing is they come in lots of colors and fragrances.
These roses typically grow to 3-6 feet tall, are long-stemmed with tight buds, and have large blooms that average 3 to 5 inches inches diameter. Hybrid Teas, while requiring more care, can thrive in zones 5 and 6 with proper winter protection. I have two Della Reese that make beautiful blooms.
Floribunda Roses: Floribunda's produce clusters of flowers on each stem and get between 2-4 feet. They are fairly easy care and perfect for borders or along a pathway. Easy Spirit is a hardy and productive variety that does well in Zones 5 & 6.
Grandiflora Roses: A hybrid of Hybrid Tea and Floribunda roses, Grandifloras offer large blooms on long stems, often used as focal points in landscapes.
Climbing and Rambler Roses: Ideal for vertical displays, climbing roses are sturdy and repeatedly bloom throughout the season, whereas ramblers usually bloom spectacularly once per year.
Climbing Roses are sturdy and repeatedly bloom throughout the season. They need a sturdy trellis and can add vertical interest to your garden. 'New Dawn' is a reliable repeat bloomer, while 'William Baffin' can climb up to 10 feet and survives even zone 3 winters.
Still going strong! Two of my roses in late September.
Shrub Roses: The shrub roses are exceptionally hardy and disease-resistant, so great for beginners. Shrub roses bloom repeatedly and heavily throughout the season
Exceptionally hardy and disease-resistant, shrub roses fit well into low-maintenance landscapes and do well in cooler summers. Shrub Roses are your best friends as a beginner.
These hardy varieties include the famous Knockout series, which blooms continuously and requires minimal care. Canadian Explorer roses like 'John Cabot' are incredibly cold-hardy and disease-resistant. David Austin English roses such as 'Graham Thomas' offer old-fashioned charm with modern disease resistance.
They also produce more hips than other types of roses. Rose hips are high in vitamin C and great for teas. (keep reading for more information on using rose hips).
Rugosa Roses is a species of rose native to eastern Asia and have naturalized in many parts of the US. They are practically indestructible in cold climates and produce large, vitamin-C rich hips. However, they are considered in invassive species in many states.
It will outcompete native plants while forming dense thickets that can cover large areas, thereby threatening biological diversity. Goats love them!
A mixed blessing: Rosa rugosa is loved by pollinators, goats, and deer but they need to be managed so they don’t invade areas.
Heirloom Roses Old varieties or “heirloom roses”—are those introduced prior to 1867. These are often very fragrant roses and lush.
Modern hybrid roses, introduced after 1867, are bred for shape, size, and fragrance.
Miniature Roses: Miniature Roses are perfect for containers, patios, or small garden spaces and will stay under 2 feet in height.
What Makes Hybrid Tea Roses Unique?
Hybrid Tea roses are prized for their iconic, large blooms, typically with a single, classically shaped flower on a long stem. This makes them highly sought after as cut flowers and perfect for formal gardens. They have a popular appeal for bouquets and selling at famers markets.
Additionally, Hybrid Tea roses offer an extensive range of vibrant colors and fragrances, from delicate pastels to bold, vivid hues. However, their beauty comes with the need for more maintenance. Regular pruning, vigilant disease prevention, and attentive watering schedules are essential to maintain the health and vigor of these distinctive roses.
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Growing Roses
Soil and Site Preparation
Roses flourish best in soil rich in organic matter, with good drainage and a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Before planting, thoroughly incorporate compost or aged manure into your garden bed to boost soil fertility. Roses require a sunny location that provides at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, ideally morning sun, which helps reduce fungal disease pressure.
Roses are particular about their growing conditions, but getting the basics right sets you up for success. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun is best because it dries dew from the leaves, which helps prevent diseases. Roses grown in the partial sun may not die at once, but they weaken gradually, producing subpar blooms and arn’t as hardy.
Good air circulation is essential but avoid windy spots that can dry out plants or damage canes. You want good air circulation between plants as it helps reduce fungal disease pressure.
Roses prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If you're unsure about your soil, invest in a simple soil test kit – it's one of the best investments you'll make as a gardener.
Start preparing your planting area by digging a hole about twice as wide and deep as your rose's root system. Mix in plenty of organic matter like compost, aged manure, or leaf mold. This organic matter improves drainage in clay soils and helps sandy soils retain moisture and nutrients. A good rule of thumb is to amend about one-third of your native soil with organic compost.
Zone 6 folks take note. Roses don't like heavy soil. Before planting, add lots of compost or aged manure into your garden bed.
Planting Techniques
Bare-root Roses: Like trees they should be planted soon after you get them. They have been kept chilled and are dormant but will start growing soon after planting. Plant them in early spring in zones 5 & 6.
Soaking the roots for two hours in water to rehydrate them. Dig a hole about twice as wide and deep as the root system, creating a mound of soil in the center for root support. Position the rose so the graft union sits about 2-3 inches below soil level.
Container-grown Roses: Container-grown roses are easy to find at big box stores but might not have the variety that you find in bare root. They can be planted from spring through fall. Gently loosen the root ball before planting and ensure the graft union is similarly positioned below the soil surface.
These can be planted from spring through fall. Gently loosen the root ball before planting and ensure the graft union is similarly positioned below the soil surface.
Water newly planted roses deeply and mulch generously around the base with organic materials such as shredded bark, compost, or straw, maintaining a thickness of 2-3 inches.
The best time to plant roses in zones 5 and 6 is in early spring after the last hard frost, typically late April to mid-May. This gives them plenty of time to establish before winter. You can also plant in early fall, at least six weeks before your first expected frost.
When planting, dig your hole so the graft union (the swollen area where the rose is grafted onto the rootstock) sits at ground level or slightly below in colder areas. This protects the graft from winter damage. Backfill with your amended soil mixture, water thoroughly, and add a layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the stem.
Check out my video on growing roses full of tips for zone 5 & 6 folks.
Rose Care and Maintenance
Watering
Proper watering is crucial for healthy roses. Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep root growth and helps plants become more drought-tolerant. Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep foliage dry and prevent disease.
Most roses need about an inch of water per week, including rainfall. During hot spells, you may need to water twice weekly. A good test is to stick your finger into the soil near the base of the plant – if it's dry an inch down, it's time to water.
Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal for organic rose growing because they deliver water directly to the root zone without wetting the leaves. If you must use a sprinkler, water early in the morning so leaves have time to dry before evening.
Maintain consistent moisture through deep watering (1-2 inches per week), particularly during dry spells. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal as they reduce water waste and minimize foliage wetness, helping prevent disease.
Mulching
Mulching conserves soil moisture, suppresses weeds, stabilizes soil temperature, and slowly adds organic matter as it decomposes. Regularly refresh mulch to maintain optimal depth.
A good organic mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, moderates soil temperature, and gradually adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes.
Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around your roses, keeping it a few inches away from the base of the plant to prevent pest and disease issues. Great mulch options include shredded hardwood bark (no added coloring), aged wood chips, straw, or compost. Avoid fresh grass clippings, which can mat down and prevent air circulation.
Don’t do this (picture below)! This is how I found our roses from the previous owner. Don't do this. First the red mulch is just gross and contains chemical dyes. Second its never good to pile wood mulch on the plant. For both zone 5 and 6 prune back tall stems. Add some additional soil around the base and mulch on top of that to protect the roots for winter.
Don’t do this!
Zone 5 friends may need additional winter protection especially if you get a lot of snow or harsh winds. A simple cage filled loosely with leaves will provide insulation but still allow for necessary air circulation. I’m not a big fan of wrapping plants in burlap but it is also an option.
If you live in a colder climate, consider growing roses close to the foundation of your home. This also provides plants with some degree of winter protection.
Fertilizing
Apply organic fertilizers in spring and summer. My favorite is fish emulsion. Fish emulsion makes a great liquid fertilizer for monthly feeding during the growing season – just be prepared for the smell, which thankfully dissipates quickly! It works well as a foliar feed as well.
I also apply well-aged manure in early spring. Compost is your secret weapon for organic rose growing. Apply a 2-3 inch layer around each plant in spring and again in mid-summer. As it breaks down, it feeds both your roses and the beneficial soil organisms that help plants absorb nutrients.
Bone meal is excellent for promoting strong root development and flower production. I really like the Down To Earth brand. Work it into the soil at planting time and reapply each spring.
Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) can give roses a boost, especially if your soil is magnesium-deficient. Sprinkle a tablespoon around each plant in spring and water in well.
See my article Pass the Test: Soil Testing For Improved Fertility
Pruning
Pruning encourages air circulation, removes diseased or damaged wood, and stimulates new growth. In early spring cutting back to outward-facing buds. Remove dead, weak, and crossing canes. Roses should have green healthy looking stems.
Throughout the growing season, deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
Don't let pruning intimidate you – roses are forgiving, and even a less-than-perfect pruning job is better than no pruning at all. The main goals are to remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood, improve air circulation, and shape the plant.
In zones 5 and 6, prune in early spring when buds begin to swell but before leaves emerge, typically late March to early April. Always use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts that heal quickly.
Start by removing any dead, black, or diseased canes completely. Next, remove any weak, spindly growth and canes that are rubbing against each other. Finally, reduce the remaining healthy canes by about one-third to encourage new growth and more flowers.
Don't prune heavily in fall – just remove any extremely long canes that might whip in winter winds. Save major pruning for spring when you can assess winter damage.
Organic Disease Management
Black Spot: Evidenced by black, round spots on leaves, leading to defoliation. Remove and destroy infected foliage, improve airflow by pruning, and apply organic fungicides such as neem oil regularly. Choose resistant varieties.
Powdery Mildew: White, powdery fungal growth primarily affects new growth and buds and creates a white, powdery coating on leaves and buds. Prevent by ensuring adequate spacing and airflow. Treat outbreaks with neem oil. Avoid overhead watering.
Rust: Identifiable by orange or yellow pustules under leaves.
My video on how to prevent and control mildews has been very popular and I’m glad to say helpful to many!
Organic Pest Management
Aphids: Small sap-sucking insects clustered on new growth. Aphids like to cluster on new growth. You can spray with water to dislodge, introduce beneficial predators (like ladybugs), and apply insecticidal soaps or neem oil.
Japanese Beetles: Cause extensive foliage damage. Hand-pick beetles early in the morning and dispose of them in soapy water. Beneficial nematodes and milky spore bacteria applied to soil reduce larvae populations. Hand-picking in early morning when they're sluggish is effective for small numbers. For larger infestations, try beneficial nematodes applied to the soil to target beetle grubs.
Thrips: Tiny insects that distort flowers and foliage. Organic treatments include neem oil sprays, insecticidal soaps, and attracting predatory insects like lacewings. Thrips cause silvery streaks on petals and can distort flowers. Blue sticky traps help monitor and catch adult thrips. Predatory mites are excellent biological control agents.
Birds: Encourage birds by providing water sources and nesting sites – they'll help control insect pests. Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides that harm beneficial insects along with pests.
Rose Colors and Their Symbolism
Understanding color symbolism enhances the emotional impact of roses in your garden or floral arrangements. And its fun.
Red: Symbolizes deep love, romance, and passion.
White: Represents purity, innocence, and reverence.
Yellow: Conveys friendship, happiness, and warmth.
Pink: Indicates admiration, gratitude, and grace.
Orange: Reflects enthusiasm, energy, and desire.
Lavender: Suggests enchantment, fascination, and mystery.
Ways To UsE Roses And Rose Hips
There are lots of products we can make with rose petals and hips.
Dry Petals
You can dry rose petals on low in an electric dehydrator or by laying in the sun. Add dried petals to a bath as an indulgence. Combined with Epsom salts and essential oils, its very soothing especially after working outside all day.
Dried rose petals are a popular base for homemade potpourri and sachets. Mix them with lavender, cloves, or citrus peel.
Make Rose Water
Rose water is a natural toner and anti-inflammatory skin remedy. It is an ingredient in homemade lotion or soap. Rose water is popular in cooking and is used for flavoring for desserts or teas. Its used in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine for flavoring sweets like Turkish delight and rice puddings.
Use strongly scented varieties like Damask, Centifolia, or heirloom garden roses.
The Simmering Method (Quick and Easy)
This is the simplest way to make rose water for beauty products, room sprays, or magical use.
Prepare the petals: Rinse them gently to remove dust or insects.
Simmer: Place petals in a small saucepan and add just enough distilled water to cover them. Too much water will dilute your rose water.
Heat gently: Cover and heat on low until the petals lose their color (usually 15–20 minutes). Do not boil — that destroys the delicate oils.
Cool and strain: Let the mixture cool, then strain out the petals using a fine mesh or cheesecloth.
Bottle it: Pour into a sterilized glass jar or spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Keep in a cool, dark place. Add a few drops of vodka or witch hazel as a natural preservative if desired.
Rose Oil
Unlike rose water, which extracts the water-soluble compounds, rose oil extracts the aromatic and medicinal oils from the petals into a carrier oil. Great for massage oil, facial serum, or bath oil.
Rose essential oil is extracted through distillation and used more in aromatherapy and salves. To make you need to infuse the petals in a carrier oil like olive oil.
Sun-Infusion Method (Traditional)
This is a gentle, slow process that uses warmth from the sun to draw the oils out naturally.
Prepare the petals: Make sure they’re clean and dry.
Combine: Place the petals in a glass jar and pour in the carrier oil until petals are fully covered.
Infuse: Seal the jar and place it on a sunny windowsill for 2 weeks, shaking gently once a day.
Strain: After two weeks, strain through cheesecloth and discard the petals.
(Optional) For a stronger scent, add fresh petals to the same oil and repeat the process for another 1–2 weeks.
Bottle: Pour the finished oil into a dark glass bottle. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Rose Petal Jam
If you haven't made Rose Petal Jam or Jelly its a must do. It has a floral, slightly tart flavor and goes great with scones or toast. Here is a great recipe from the Feasting At Home website.
Tea
Rose hip tea is a delicious, vitamin-rich herbal tea made from the fruit of the rose plant — those bright red or orange berries that appear after the petals fall. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Dried rosehips are tangy and go well with honey. Great for immune support or colds.
Prepare the rose hips:
If using fresh ones, rinse them and remove the stems and blossom ends. You can cut them in half for better flavor extraction.
(Optional: Scoop out the seeds and tiny hairs if you like, though they’ll settle out when strained.)Steep:
Place the rose hips in a teapot or heat-safe jar. Pour the boiling water over them, cover, and steep for 10–15 minutes (up to 30 minutes for a stronger flavor).Strain and serve:
Strain the tea through a fine mesh or cheesecloth to remove hairs and seeds. Sweeten to taste with honey or add lemon if desired.
ReSources
American Rose Society (https://www.rose.org)
University of Illinois Extension Rose Gardening (https://extension.illinois.edu/roses)
USDA Organic Agriculture Guidelines (https://www.usda.gov/topics/organic)
The Old Farmer’s Almanac on Rose Care (https://www.almanac.com)
Author, Ame Vanorio, is the founder of Fox Run EEC, an Environmental Educator, Master Gardener, and author.
