Countless cultivars of roses exist, but Rosa "Midnight Blue" stands out for its deep purple flowers, compact size and resistance to disease. It grows between 2 and 3 feet in height with a tidy, rounded shape, so it is suitable for container gardening or as an addition to smaller gardens within U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 to 9. Caring for Midnight Blue roses is simple, since they require minimal upkeep once established. However, they must be grown in full sun, and provided with regular water, fertile soil and light pruning to look their best.
Plant Midnight Blue roses in a bed with full sun exposure and excellent drainage. Amend the soil at the planting site with a 5-inch-thick layer of compost worked into the bed at a depth of 15 inches.
Feed Midnight Blue roses with 6-8-6 ratio fertilizer that is formulated specially for roses. Apply the fertilizer at full strength in early spring as the buds form and again once the shrub starts to bloom. Water thoroughly after feeding to distribute the nutrients deep into the soil.
Spread a 2-inch thick layer of mulch in a 10-inch diameter around the base of the shrub each spring to help regulate the soil temperature and moisture level. Replace the mulch every year to prevent harmful bacteria and fungi from colonizing the roots of the shrub.
Water Midnight Blue roses deeply but fairly infrequently. Run a hose at the base of the shrub until the soil feels moist at a depth of 5 inches. Water again only when the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. Avoid spraying water on the leaves and canes, since excess moisture on the aerial portion of the plant will lead to disease.
Prune Midnight Blue roses in early spring after all danger of frost has passed. Thin out the center of the shrub to increase air circulation. Snip off crossed or crowded branches, and sucker growth at the point of origin using pruning shears. Do not prune the tips of the branches since you will destroy the naturally rounded shape of the shrub.
Spray the foliage and canes with horticultural oil in spring before the shrub blooms to prevent and destroy thrips. Apply the oil with a spray bottle, paying special attention to the undersides of the leaves and interior of the shrub.
Germination
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY Please note seeds are live products which depend on many important related grower skill such as proper planting time, seed depth, type of soil, watering, proper use of fertilizers, weed control, fungicides, insecticides, disease free soil, and reasonable weather conditions during the growing period.
Germination is affected by such factors as temperature, moisture content, light intensity and contamination of planting media. Although we do everything possible to get seeds to you in the best possible condition, these factors are totally outside of our control and and once you receive the seeds it's up to you.
Consequently, we can take no responsibility for the suitability of your local conditions of any variety offered, the indicative cultivation advice provided or ultimately the varieties performance.
As such you should seek local advice to carefully ensure your local conditions and the time of season are appropriate to the variety purchased.
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