{"id":24495,"date":"2023-08-02T14:37:10","date_gmt":"2023-08-02T13:37:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/?p=24495"},"modified":"2023-08-02T14:37:17","modified_gmt":"2023-08-02T13:37:17","slug":"planting-roses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/planting-roses\/","title":{"rendered":"Planting Roses: A complete step-by-step plan"},"content":{"rendered":"

A garden in England isn\u2019t an English garden without a rose bush. And while there may be few things in life as delicate as a rose, these perennial plants are surprisingly hardy. But planting roses requires a few steps that ensure a long life of stunning blooms and a garden scented with that inimitable scent. <\/p>

Indeed, roses bring a timeless quality to your outdoor space, whether you plant them pride of place in the centre of your flower border or sturdy pots on your windowsill. <\/p>

This article goes through a step-by-step guide to planting roses, ensuring your roses provide enduring delight to you, your garden, and our most valuable pollinating insects. <\/p>

Ready? Let\u2019s go! <\/p>

The best position for your roses<\/h2>
\"Beautiful
Roses thrive in full sun with plenty of air circulation – Image by \ud83c\udf3cChristel\ud83c\udf3c via Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Understand your plant, and it will provide you with years of attractive flowers and foliage. But if you plant it in the wrong position, it will fail to thrive. <\/p>

Roses thrive best in a sunny spot. And while some varieties are tolerant of partial space, most roses are sun worshippers. <\/p>

In other words, avoid planting roses in the shade. <\/p>

Choose a sunny, uncrowded spot. Remember, rose bushes can grow large, so you need to give your bush plenty of space. Roses need air and plenty of room between the branches so they can dry out after a shower \u2014 this helps prevent fungal infections. <\/p>

What type of soil do roses need?<\/h3>

Roses don’t grow well in wet peaty soil or dry sandy soil. They prefer loose lime soil but can also thrive in rich, moist sandy soil if you fertilise the flowerbed regularly. <\/p>

If you have heavy clay soil that\u2019s prone to flooding, mix it with potting soil or well-rotted mulch or compost to improve drainage. <\/p>

Not sure what type of soil you have in your garden? Check out our expert\u2019s guide to garden soil (and how to improve it)<\/a>. <\/p>

Planting roses: when?<\/h2>
\"A
Planting roses in a pot<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The answer to “When should I plant my rose bush” depends on your local climate and the type of rose you plan to plant. <\/p>

In general, the best time to plant roses in the ground is in autumn \u2014 October is prime time! This is because the soil is still warm from the summer, and the water table is high. <\/p>

However, it\u2019s also possible to plant your bushes in February and March, all the way to the end of April \u2014 just wait until the soil has begun to warm up after winter and the frost risk has passed. This gives the plant time to settle in its new spot before the warmer summer months arrive. <\/p>

But:<\/p>

You can plant roses in pots any time of year if you use good potting soil. However, avoid planting your bush during or before frost. <\/p>

Planting roses in March<\/h3>

Many people prefer planting their roses in March. This gives the plant a good headstart, benefitting from the entire growing season. <\/p>

But:<\/p>

Make sure the soil is free from frost and that no further frost is expected. March can still be cold, so watch the weather before planting. <\/p>

Planting roses in autumn<\/h3>

Most plants prefer being planted in spring, but roses are generally very happy to be planted in the autumn, while the soil is warm and they have time to settle in before winter. <\/p>

Water your roses well once planted, and mulch around the plant\u2019s base to help protect the roots from the cold as winter approaches. <\/p>

How far apart should I plant my roses?<\/h2>

It\u2019s essential to give your rose bushes enough room to grow. Remember, a new plant will probably quadruple in size, so you should leave between 60-90cm between each plant.<\/p>

This gives the plant ample space to grow and spread. Don’t be tempted to plant your roses too close together \u2014 it hinders air circulation and could cause fungal diseases. <\/p>

How deep should I plant my rose bushes?<\/h2>
\"A
Roses need a deep hole, so time to get out the spade!<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Dig a hole big enough to bury the highest root branch at least 10cm below the soil surface. So, for safety, go for a hole around 60cm deep and 60cm wide. <\/p>

Always plant the grafting site (the point at which the rose is grafted onto the rootstock) just below ground level. This ensures the plant roots firmly and protects the grafting site from frost.<\/p>

Make sure your planting hole gives your plant the space to spread its roots, especially if you have heavy soil. <\/p>

How to plant roses: a complete step-by-step guide<\/h2>

Follow these instructions for excellent results every time:<\/p>

  1. Choose a good location for your roses. Remember, unless you have a shade-tolerant variety, select an area that enjoys full sun throughout the day. <\/li>\n\n
  2. Soak the roots of your new plants in lukewarm water overnight. This ensures the plant is well-hydrated and will cope with the shock of repositioning. <\/li>\n\n
  3. Prepare the planting site by:
    1. Mixing in a bucket of well-rotted organic matter, such as compost or farmyard manure per square metre. Digging it into the top 30cm of soil. <\/li>\n\n
    2. For optimal results, also apply 3g of general fertiliser per square metre.<\/li><\/ol><\/li>\n\n
    3. For each plant, dig a hole at least twice the width of the plant’s existing rootstock and 50cm deep. <\/li>\n\n
    4. Loosen the soil around the rootstock and separate individual root strands \u2014 this helps them spread once planted. <\/li>\n\n
    5. Spread the roots and fill the planting hole with good-quality soil. <\/li>\n\n
    6. Water immediately and gently press the surrounding soil to help stabilise the top-heavy plant. <\/li><\/ol>

      Combining roses with other plants<\/h2>
      \"Roses
      Roses and lavender together! Photo by Manfred Richter on Pixabay<\/figcaption><\/figure>

      One of the best ways to make your garden even more beautiful is to combine roses with other plants. You can create a stunning display by combining and contrasting different colours, shapes, and textures.<\/p>

      Plants that combine well with roses are:<\/p>