Question
Zone: Johannesburg, South Africa

Given a Blue Moon rose bush as a gift.

1. Will it grow well in a container?

2. Does this hydrid tea require any other special attention?

3. In terms of an organic spray for aphids etc - what would you recommend?

Thanks and regards
Shirlene


Answer
Blue Moon is a very good hybrid tea and will not give you any trouble to grow. It will need a container that is at least 18 inches deep because that is what the roots will grow to. As it is a sturdy rose, it will not need any special attention. Aphids are easy to get rid of because once they fall on the ground it is almost impossible for them to get up on the rose again as they have very weak legs. So knocking them off with a spray from the hose does wonders in getting rid of them. For an organic spray, just mix up a quart of water with three drops of dish washing liquid in it and use that as a spray.