BROOKINGS — SDSU Extension and McCrory Gardens will host a free virtual miniseries on raising roses in South Dakota.

The "Caring for Roses in South Dakota" webinar series is from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. CDT on March 19-21, via Zoom. Experts will share the art and science of caring for roses, highlighting their own experiences with the popular plant.

Kristine Lang, assistant professor and SDSU Extension consumer horticulture specialist, has gained a deeper appreciation for roses over the last several years as she and Chris Schlenker, director of horticulture at McCrory Gardens in Brookings, evaluate roses for the American Rose Trials for Sustainability. As she learns more, she has been inspired to share that knowledge with others who want to grow roses in South Dakota.

“I find that gardeners seem to either really love roses or be put off by them, maybe based on a bad experience or a rose that didn’t overwinter well,” said Lang.

In the web series, novice and experienced gardeners will learn new tips and tricks for pruning roses, managing common insect pests and preventing common rose diseases. Each hour-long session will feature an educational presentation and time for the audience to ask questions.

“This series is me pulling together a team of people who each have a unique piece of the rose puzzle in terms of care and dealing with rose diseases and insect pests,” Lang said. “My hope is that gardeners in South Dakota will feel empowered to try roses, either again or for the first time.”

The first session will feature Schlenker and Sydney Trio, McCrory Gardens education coordinator and SDSU Extension horticulture assistant, with the basics of growing and pruning and a little bit of rose history. In the second session, Amanda Bachmann, SDSU Extension urban entomology field specialist, will delve into common insect pests like beetles, aphids and scales. For the third session, Madalyn Shires, assistant professor and SDSU Extension plant pathology specialist, will discuss how to identify and manage common rose diseases like leaf spot and rose viruses.

To register, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search “roses.” One registration will give registrants access to all three sessions.

For more information, contact Lang at 605-688-5796 or Kristine.Lang@sdstate.edu.