YOUR PLACE A ROSE WITHOUT WOES NEEDS THE HOSE.

Byline: Barbara De Witt Staff Writer

America's favorite flower is a real water guzzler.

We're talking about the rose, and in one of Southern California's driest years, the U.S. Senate has declared 2002 as the Year of the Rose.

But not to worry, says rose expert Lance Walheim, who recently shared a few summer survival tips at Lowe's in Burbank.

``The key is efficient watering. Too many people water their roses often - every day - but never long enough to develop deep roots ... and during drought conditions, they'll have trouble surviving,'' says Walheim, who is the author of ``Roses for Dummies'' and the spokesman for Bayer Advance Garden products. He adds that shallow root systems have no water stored up.

Signs your roses are lacking sufficient moisture include a lack of crispness in the petals, and leaves that aren't green and easily wilt and drop, Walheim says. Also, a plant that doesn't rebloom quickly could be a victim of poor watering, he adds.

But it's not too late to save them.

Walheim's recovery program starts now, with deep watering - about 12 to 18 inches - once or twice a week during the summer. ``The purpose is to get the roots to grow deep enough so that they won't be scorched by summer heat and you can check the moisture level by probing the soil with a stiff wire or screw driver,'' he explains.

Deep watering can be achieved by making a soil basin around the plant and filling it slowly with the hose so there's no runoff, or you can water by drip irrigation. ``But 15 minutes won't do it,'' Walheim stresses. ``You've got to let the water run (gently) about an hour to be effective.''

Not only is early morning the best time to cut roses because they're full of moisture, but it's also the best time for watering.

``You want to water early while the ground is still cool and the foliage has time to dry before nighttime. And be sure sprinklers don't hit your roses at night because the wet leaves will be vulnerable to mildew, black spot and rust,'' he says.

Long drinks of water at regular intervals are more effective and also water-thrifty compared to daily watering, but Walheim says you've also got to use mulch. Rose gardens need two to three inches of mulch to cool the soil and minimize evaporation, according to Walheim.

Growing your roses in pots?

They're even more susceptible to heat, since potted soil dries out faster, so check soil moisture level more frequently. If the soil is still damp, don't water. To keep them blooming all summer, use water-saving granules and move them to a semi-shady climate during the hottest months.

Lastly, Walheim says to remove suckers - sprouts from the rootstock below the graft union - because they steal water from the main canes, and he recommends not snipping deadheads. Rose hips that develop from the dead blooms require less water.

For more water conservation tips check with your local water company, or visit water- and energy-related Web sites. Among them are the California Urban Water Conservation Council at www.cuwcc.org and the Water Education Foundation at www.water-ed.org.

Gardeners can also learn how to keep their garden green for the least amount of water in Sunset magazine's 16-page brochures ``Smart Water and Energy Use in the West'' and ``Water-Wise Gardening for California.'' They can be ordered for $3.50 each at www.sunset.com (click on ``offers'') or by writing to Sunset Publishing Co., 80 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025.

A GARDENER'S DREAM: HGTV has dazzled us with lush landscapes for years, and now the cable network is offering a chance to win enough cash to create the garden of our dreams. It's the fifth annual Gardenstakes Giveaway, and all you have to do to enter is log on to hgtv.com (link is located on lower left side of the home page) or mail a postcard to HGTV Gardenstakes Giveaway, PO Box 53107, Knoxville, TN 37932. Deadline is July 3. The big prize is $25,000 cash plus a tour of Australia's gardens, but there are lots of consolation prizes from Outback Steakhouse.

- B.D.

DREAM ROOM: Think your house needs a makeover more than your neighbor's? If you can explain better than anybody else - with seven reasons - why your living space needs an overhaul, Ethan Allen will come to your rescue. The upscale furniture chain is collecting entries now through July 8, and one winner will get the room of his/her dreams valued at $25,000. Winner will be announced by Sept. 13. Get contest rules at Ethan Allen stores or visit www.ethanallen.com.

- B.D.

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1) Lance Walheim has plenty of tips for rose care during a rough drought.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer

(2) no caption (Roses)

(3) no caption (Ethan Allen dream room)