rose [Desdemona]

Grows best in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sunny, open position, though also tolerates some shade. Mulch in late winter and, to improve flowering, apply a balanced fertiliser in late winter or early spring, and again in early summer. See rose cultivation

Pruning group 20 (roses)

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn, or by T-budding in summer

Aphids, including rose aphid, are the most common rose pest. Can also be affected by leafhoppers, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, caterpillars, large rose sawfly, rose leaf-rolling sawfly and leaf-cutter bees. Deer and rabbits can also cause damage

Rose black spot, rose rust and rose powdery mildew are the most common rose diseases. Can also be affected by rose dieback, replant disease, canker, honey fungus and a virus