The Plant Food That Saved My Roses Is Almost at My Local Flower Shop, but It’s at Amazon Right Now

2023-05-27
The Plant Food That Saved My Roses Is Almost  at My Local Flower Shop, but It’s  at Amazon Right Now

When I decided to spruce up my home’s curb appeal last year, I thought I knew how to plant roses. With the help of my landscaper, I found Knock Out roses that were on the smaller side—almost 3 feet tall—and planted them once the threat of frost was gone (I’m all the way out here in Zone 7b). That first summer, I got a couple blooms out of them, but nothing like I’ve seen on Pinterest or even while walking the dog around my neighborhood. Knock Out roses are an easy-care plant because they don’t need dead-heading and they can grow up to 4 feet tall and wide if given the chance. But in two seasons, there have only been a handful at best.

That all changed when I bought Osmocote Smart Release Plant Food Plus. Someone I’ve long followed on Instagram swore by fertilizing wave petunias and hydrangeas with it, so I wondered if it’d have the same effect on stunted roses. After some digging, I visited my local nursery where an 8-pound bag cost $40, but when I took a peek on the Amazon app, it was listed as on sale for only $27—marked down from $35. Either way, it was cheaper on Amazon than in stores, but with the additional markdown, I saved nearly $20 (give or take some tax).

Buy It: Osmocote Smart Release Plant Food Plus Outdoor and Indoor, $27 (was $35), Amazon

While some other fertilizers have rose-specific formulas, I love that Osmocote plant food works for just about any kind of flower, both indoor and outdoor. With that kind of versatility, there is more bang for your buck (because even I can’t justify dropping $40 on fertilizer just for roses). 

It works best with plants that need strong and fast root growth, which is why roses (and hydrangeas) take to it so well. The roots of a Knock Out can grow about 3 feet deep and spread 3 feet wide, and because Osmocote fertilizer is slow release, it distributes nutrients to those roots over the course of several months. If you know anything about roses, then you know that’s exactly what roses want rather than all their nutrients at once.

After only a few weeks, I’ve noticed a difference in my Knock Outs. Only time will tell when it comes to their long term health, but I’m optimistic, especially considering this fertilizer’s 4.7-star rating from more than 23,000 Amazon shoppers.

One five-star reviewer called it “the only food for your flowering plants,” adding that they mostly garden organically, but have found that flowering tropicals, flowering trees, shrubs, and roses “will get nothing but Osmocote.” The reviewer adds, “It just always performs… and it keeps them fed the whole season, and I always have amazing blooms.”

Another shopper wrote, “My garden is bursting with health and blooms,” adding “my hydrangeas are spectacular,” as well as their roses, azaleas, and shrubs, which “are just flourishing.” The same reviewer particularly loved how Osmocote is “no fuss” as there are “no worries about additional fertilizing” and called it part of their “yearly garden plan.”

I can say the same for my own garden. Things are looking up for my front-yard Knock Outs, which have about 40 buds each so far, and the nearby Limelights are benefitting, too. If you’re like me and low-maintenance cottage gardens are your vibe, do your roses a favor and fertilize only once this season with an 8-pound bag of Osmocote Smart Release Plant Food Plus Outdoor and Indoor—now on sale for $27.

Related Article

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

Rose of Jericho is a unique houseplant that can survive with minimal water, making it a great option for travelers and forgetful gardeners.
21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

Color is always nice, but scale is everything when choosing miniature garden plants. Peruse our favorite picks for fairy gardens and terrariums.
13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

Create a gorgeous, pollinator-friendly garden by including these nectar-rich plants.
Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is coleus a perennial that comes back every year? That depends on where you live and how you care for it. Use these tips to enjoy coleus as a colorful perennial or annual plant.
How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

Ranunculus are favorite flowers for weddings, arrangements, and gardens. Here's how to plant and grow ranunculus.
How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

This guide on how to grow glossy abelia includes essential planting and care tips such watering, fertilizing, and pruning needs. You'll also find popular types of abelia to grow and pretty companion plants for this flowering shrub.
Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas not blooming can be a frustrating problem for gardeners. These straightforward tips will promote tons of long-lasting flowers.
10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

Mix and match these sweet potato companion plants in your vegetable beds for pest-free crops and easier gardening.
How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

Learn how to harvest mint to keep plants more manageable and gather fresh mint leaves for cooking, drying, and storing!
How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

These easy-to-follow tips will help you figure out how and when to harvest radishes for the best flavor and size. Plus, get troubleshooting advice if your radish roots aren't developing properly.
How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

Find out exactly how and when to start tomato seeds indoors so they'll be ready to transplant into your garden in spring.
Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Learn the differences between tillers and cultivators and the tasks they're best suited for.
Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Composting is a simple way to turn your kitchen and yard waste into food for your garden. But some of these items should never be in compost.
Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

With a bit of grass seed or sod, lawn repair is easy, and you’ll soon have a lush green carpet again.
What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

Tiny white bugs on plants in your home or outdoors can be a big problem. Learn how to identify and get rid of them with this guide.
How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

Protect your plants from the most common diseases. Learn to recognize the symptoms and how to prevent these diseases in the first place.
How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

Decorative rocks and stones add another element of nature to your yard, whether you grow hydrangeas, tulips, or cacti.
Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Even if you're a beginner, these simple landscape planning tips will take the mystery out of designing your yard's ideal layout.
10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

Use native plants in your garden instead of popular invasive landscape plants: See a list of common invasive plants, plus native alternatives to plant instead.
Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Use our lawn-care schedule to help you maintain a beautiful yard all year long. You'll learn exactly when to mow, aerate, fertilize, and overseed.