Roses: Planting & Care. A Guide to Growing Beautiful Roses

Planting your rose: Step by step guide

1. Find the right spot

Sunlight

Most roses need a bright position, but there are varieties that grow well in partial shade and even shaded areas. Check how much sunlight your rose needs, but as a rule find a spot with at least four hours of sunlight each day.
Space

Give your rose space to spread its roots without competition from other plants. Aim for a space of approximately 60cm (2ft) around your rose.

If you are planting your rose in a large container, the container should be at least 45cm x 45cm. Check your rose does not exceed a mature height of 12ft, otherwise it should be planted in the ground.
Shelter

Plant your rose in a position that is protected from harsh winds. This will prevent your plant from being blown over and keep rose buds looking at their best for longer.

2. Prepare the ground

Clear the ground

Ensure that the ground around your rose is cleared of weeds as this may restrict growth and root development.
Make a space

Dig a hole that allows you to plant your rose without disturbing the roots. Aim for approximately 40cm x 40cm. Break up the soil around the base of the hole so that the roots are encouraged to grow deeply.
Add nutrients

Roses need soil that is nutrient-rich and well drained. If you have clay soil add compost and if you have sandy soil add manure.

If you are planting your rose in a container, ensure it has plenty of drainage. Use a 50/50 mix of multi-purpose compost and John Innes No. 3 Mature Plant Compost to give your rose plenty of nutrients.

3. Add finishing touches

Root health

Strong and healthy roots make a strong and healthy plant. Add a sprinkling of Mycorrhizal Fungi around the side and bottom of the planting hole to aid root development.
Position

Plant your rose in the centre of the hole, then backfill and firm it in with the nutrient rich soil, to just level with the top of the root ball.
Water deeply

Once planted, water your rose in deeply around the base, avoiding the flowers and foliage as this is likely to encourage disease.

Caring for your rose: Things to remember

1. Water regularly

Roses are deep rooted, so once established they only need watering once per week during the summer months. As a rule, if your flowers start wilting, this is a sign that your rose needs more water.

If you are growing a rose in a pot, it will need watering more often, which could be every day in hot weather. Avoid the compost drying out or becoming waterlogged.

2. Prune & Deadhead

Encourage repeat flowering by deadheading regularly. Cut back to the next bud or leaf on the stem, with a sharp clean cut. This is also an opportunity to shape your rose by removing uneven stems. If you notice a diseased stem, remove it to the point of origin and dispose of it in garden waste, not your compost bin, to prevent reinfection.

In January or February, prune your rose into an airy shape and remove crossing stems. Cut back shrub roses by roughly half. For climbers or ramblers, remove the previous season’s growth to about 10cm from the main stem.

3. Add nutrients

Enrich your roses with mulch and manure in spring and autumn to reduce weeds, retain moisture and provide valuable nutrients. Keep the mulch away from the stem to prevent rot.

Roses use a considerable amount of energy to produce blooms. Add a slow-release feed such as Vitax Organic Rose Food in April and June to get the best flowers through the summer months.

Rose care calendar

January & February

Prune and shape your rose to encourage airy & healthy growth, removing any crossing stems.

Westland Rose 2 in 1 Feed & Protect image 2

March & April

In March add feed to your roses and in April add mulch & manure to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

May

Water your roses regularly. Ensure they get at least two full watering cans once per week around the base. Water more often if it’s hot and your roses start to wilt.

Wilkinson Sword Straight Pruning Snips image 1

June & July

In June add a slow release feed to keep blooms looking their best. Deadhead your roses regularly. Continue watering your rose deeply, particularly during dry spells.