How to Shade Roses in Summer: Sunburn Protection & Bloom Care

Yesterday, a flower lover who purchased a book on gardening from Blue Demon asked a question: “Do roses need shade in the summer?” This flower lover had just bought a lollipop rose tree, and because the midday sun was too strong, he was worried that the plant would get sunburned, so he simply put an umbrella over the rose.

Have you ever done something similar? Please share your experience in the comments section! Blue Demon has never done this herself—not because it’s impossible, but… maybe there aren’t enough umbrellas?

Do roses really need shade in summer?

Many flower enthusiasts are torn: the summer sun is intense, and shading worries them about insufficient light, but not shading worries them about sunburn. What should they do?

Actually, whether to shade depends on the plant’s condition and personal care goals. Why is that?

1. Roses are sun-loving plants and typically don’t need shade

Roses love sunlight, and even in the peak of summer, not providing shade usually won’t cause the plant to wilt. Even for some sun-sensitive varieties, direct sunlight typically only affects the aesthetic appeal of the flowers, not the plant’s survival. So, if you don’t mind the flowers getting sunburned, you can skip the shade.

However, the following two situations suggest some shade:

2. Newly planted rose seedlings

If you have recently purchased rose seedlings, especially those with tender branches (red or fragile), it is recommended to provide shade initially, allowing direct sunlight only before 10 AM and after 4 PM. During midday (when sunlight is strongest), full shade (e.g., using an umbrella) or partial shade (e.g., using a shade net). The light transmission rate of the shade net should be between 50% and 70%.

3. If you want roses to bloom continuously in summer

Roses can bloom in summer, but due to high temperatures, the flowers are often smaller, paler in color, and may even have scorched edges. If you want roses to bloom beautifully in summer, it is recommended to provide appropriate shade.

Although rose branches and leaves are not sensitive to sunlight, the flowers are very delicate, and direct strong sunlight can easily cause petal burns. Additionally, appropriate shading can create a more comfortable environment for the plant, reducing issues like yellowing or scorched leaves.

How to properly shade roses?

Use shade nets

• Select a dense shade net (50%-70% light blockage) and only shade during midday hours.
• Do not place the shade net directly over the plant; maintain a minimum height of 1 meter above the roses to ensure proper ventilation.

Potted plant placement strategy

• If there are many potted plants, group them together to utilize the natural shade effect between plants, creating a “mini-garden climate.”
• If there are few potted plants, use double-layered pots (double-walled flower pots) to reduce soil heating and protect root health.

Summer Management Has a Lasting Impact

Summer care for roses not only affects their current growth status but also impacts the quality of autumn blooms and even their performance in the following spring. For more summer care tips, refer to Blue Demon’s gardening guide “From Zero to Blooming Roses.”

How do you care for your roses in summer? Feel free to leave a comment and share your experience!