Use rose fertilizer for other plants too?

Classically, rose fertilizer is used for different roses. It is perfectly tailored to the needs of rose plants. The fertilizer is available in different versions, as a long-term fertilizer, as an immediate fertilizer, in pellet or liquid fertilizer form. Especially with larger containers, fertilizer is sometimes left over because there are not that many roses in the garden. So the question arises, what else can it be used for?

composition

The composition of the fertilizer varies depending on the manufacturer. A good combination of the main nutrients is always important:

• Nitrogen (for vigorous growth)
• Phosphorus (increases flowering)
• Potassium (keep plants healthy)

Compared to universal, special fertilizer for roses contains less nitrogen. This encourages flowering more than growth.

In addition, fertilizers for roses contain various trace nutrients.

For example:

• magnesium
• boron
• iron
• copper
• manganese
• sulfur

Magnesium and iron are higher than in universal fertilizers because roses have an increased need. Copper helps curb fungal diseases, roses become less susceptible to powdery mildew.

Different shapes

There are different forms of rose fertilizer on the market. Slow-release fertilizer works over a longer period of time and gradually releases its nutrients. Sometimes fertilizing at the beginning of the growing season is enough. Otherwise, roses are fertilized twice a year. Slow-release fertilizer mostly consists of organic material.
Mineral fertilizer is available to the plants more quickly, compensates for nutrient deficiencies and ensures immediate better plant growth. The dosage forms also differ:

• fertilizer sticks
• pellets
• grains
• liquid fertilizer

A notice: Liquid fertilizer is an exception, it is particularly suitable for potted plants because it is added to the irrigation water.

Rose fertilizer for other plants

If the nutrient needs are similar to those of roses, then the fertilizer is also suitable for them. Some packaging also states if it can also be used for other crops. Sometimes only the dosage has to be adjusted for the application.

pot plants

Long-term fertilizer for roses, which is also suitable for potted plants, can be worked into the respective substrate when planting. Liquid fertilizer is applied at each watering or at the appropriate time intervals, depending on package directions.

perennials

Some fertilizers for roses are also good for flowering perennials due to their composition. Fertilize at the beginning of the growth phase, before flowering. Slow-release fertilizer is well suited for beds that can no longer be walked on so easily during the growth and flowering phase.

shrubs

Shrubs and trees from the rose family in particular can be supplied with rose fertilizer. These include:

• ornamental quinces
• crabapple
• rosehips
• fruit bushes and trees

Other shrubs for which the fertilizer is also suitable:

• lilac
• laburnum
• snowball
• forsythia

Pellets or grains are incorporated directly into the root area of ​​the trees. The dosage is similar to that of roses.

creepers and climbing plants

Clematis or honeysuckle also need fertilizer. Whether fertilizer for roses is suitable for this is written on the respective package. Climbing plants need less nutrients than roses, so the dosage may have to be halved when used. The fertilizer is then worked into the soil around the plants.

unsuitable plants

Fertilizer for roses is not well suited for all plants, although it is not harmful if the dosage is not too high. The following plants should not be supplied with it:

• Green plants (also lawn): They require more nutrients for healthy leaf growth, while roses focus on rich buds.
• Vegetables: Vegetables that consume a lot of food would be undersupplied with such fertilizer because they contain too little nitrogen.
• hedge plants: When fertilizing these plants, more emphasis is placed on rapid shoot and leaf growth.

Learn more about roses