When you buy a rose plant, it might look quite different from what you imagined. Sometimes, it even comes bare root, appearing like a thorny stick. However, growing roses is easy, and you’ll soon have a thriving rose bush. Follow these steps to plant roses successfully.
tips for growing roses
Roses are not picky if planted properly. Choose a sunny location, use nutrient-rich soil, and ensure proper spacing.
Light: Select a spot with full sun, meaning six or more hours of direct sunlight. While some roses grow in partial shade, more sun usually results in more blooms, except in very hot areas.
Soil: Roses thrive in rich loam, as they are heavy feeders. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5 to 7.0) is ideal. Mix organic matter into the soil for better growth, ensuring good drainage.
Spacing: Provide ample space between roses to allow airflow. This reduces the risk of fungal diseases, such as black spot and powdery mildew. Avoid planting them too close to other plants.
Location: Avoid planting roses under trees to prevent damage from shade or falling branches. Choose a site shielded from strong winds.
what you'll need
Equipment/Tools:
Shovel or trowel
Work gloves
Materials:
Bone meal or superphosphate
New rose plant
Compost (optional)
Mulch
Granular rose fertilizer
instructions : how to plant rosess
Prepare the Planting Hole: Dig a hole about 15-18 inches deep and 18-24 inches wide, wider than the root ball. Mix a handful of bone meal or superphosphate into the removed soil. This helps the rose adapt to its new environment.
Prepare the Rose: For container-grown roses, gently remove the plant and loosen the roots. For bare-root roses, inspect the roots, cutting away any damaged parts. Soak them in water for 12 hours before planting.
Plant the Rose: Create a mound in the hole for bare-root roses, positioning the graft union just below the soil line. For container roses, place the root ball in the hole with the graft union slightly below the surface.
tips
If transplanting a larger rose, prune the canes to 6-8 inches to help the plant focus energy on root growth.
Apply Water and Mulch: Water deeply and apply 1-2 inches of mulch around the base. Water the rose every other day, especially during dry weather, until it starts to show new growth.
Care for Your Rose: Water the rose weekly to encourage strong roots. Fertilize every four to six weeks with granular fertilizer. Stop feeding six weeks before the first frost but continue watering until the ground freezes.