I use Osmocote PLUS outdoor and indoor for flowers (Pink Cap) and put 1/4 cup around each rose. For my Austins, I use DAR food twice a season like they suggest. I have excellent results with both.

Rebecca

Miracle Grow makes a 3 month, slow release fertilizer called Shake n' Feed, Rose and Bloom, 10-18-9 that you can pick up at Lowe's in a 4.5# can for about $13.00. This will be my first year giving it a try. One application now, and a second one in July should do it for my short growing season. Looks like the right procedure in my zone 5/6 garden.

In my case a late fall application of a generous feeding of composted pigeon manure (from my loft), feeds my roses from spring through to summer. They don't need any spring fertilization because of the manure.

Then I plan to put down the Miracle Grow in early July to bring them through the rest of the season. In years past I gave liquid feedings of a bloom booster type formula every two weeks from early July until the end of September. The one time application in July of Shake n' Feed will be done instead.

My judgment, such as it is, leads me to expect good results from the switch.

I also use the slow release fertilizers around my flowers & plants. Pretty much the same way Moses does. It just simple & easy. Plus, you do not have to worry about using too much and burning anything.

But I also want to note that I have pretty good soil here. It's nice & loose, but I have enriched it with layers of manure, compost & wood mulch that has broken down. I think healthy soil is the best fertilizer. But I use the fertilizer as an extra bloomer bonus.

HalloBlondie, the first time I used slow release was last year with good results. I'm really not sure about the health of my soil, but I always add organic fish emulsion and I put down new soil each year.

Thank you everyone for the ideas I appreciate it! I just came across Dynamite which I found also dissolves like Bloomkote's pellets do but I only found a 3 month fertilizer for Roses the others last for 9 months. I don't think it's all purpose which is what I was hoping for.