Any specialised rose fertiliser is fine, as is tomato fertiliser; they both
help with ripening 'wood' to produce flowers and, subsequently fruits.
In Spring(March/April), I spread a general fertiliser, such as Phostrogen to
get the plants off to a good start. In May, I use either Rose/tomato
fertiliser (whichever I've got) to boost bud and flower formation. By the
end of July at the latest, I apply another spec. rose feed to thank the rose
for flowering and to ripen hips (where wanted), or ripen growth made that
year so that it is not prone to the first hard frosts. Avoid at any costs
feeding with a high nitrogen fertiliser after July as this will cause soft,
sappy growth that will certainly be damaged by frosts.
Yes, I know gardeners feed bare-rooted plants throughout winter when
planting, but they use bone-meal which encourages root growth. Roots do
continue to grow slowly through winter, and are protected to some extent by
the soil layer.
Hope this helps.
SPIDER
VivienB wrote in message
...
On Thu, 31 Jul 2003 21:06:24 +0100, "Spider"
wrote:

It is therefore most important to keep up with rose-feeding, so that the
plant can cope with the demand placed on it,
SPIDER

That said, other than specialised rose fertilisers, what would be
next-best? I have so many different feeds here, I balk at buying yet
another. Would Phostrogen be high enough in P (or is it K?)?

I am assuming here that a soluble feed, for quick take-up, is what is
needed - right or wrong?

Regards, VivienB