Rose Planting
Tips that Take the Mystery Out of Rose Planting
In real estate the most important consideration is “location, location, location!” It is no different in rose planting. With that in mind the place where you plant your roses has a lot to do with the success you will have with your roses. It takes more than a hole, some fertilizer and water to produce beautiful roses. Other considerations include the amount of sunlight, conditions of the soil, the presence of trees or other structures, how deep to plant the roses, and special nutrients that they require.
Choose a location for your roses that will have adequate sunlight. Most rose varieties need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight. Roses labeled as shade tolerant will need at least four to six hours of direct sunlight to thrive.
After you have chosen your rose bed location, check on the soil conditions. Roses need friable soil that does not have too much clay or sand in it. For best results the soil should hold a mold in your hand and crumble freely. You can test the soil by grabbing a handful and molding it in your hand. If it holds the mold and does not crumble freely, it has too much clay. If it crumbles too easily and does hold the mold, it has too much sand. Is the soil too acidic or too alkaline indicating too much limestone or too much chalk? Soil amendments and nutrients can be added to create a healthy growing environment for rose planting.
What other plants are in the rose area? If there are many trees and larger plants competing for water and nutrients in the soil, you could have a problem. These plants tend to have root systems that are deeper and reach far beyond their drip line. If you find a lot of roots where you are digging the hole for your bush, you may need to adjust your plan. While some climbing roses and shrubs are an exception, most rose plants do much better when mixed with other roses and plants that are non-invasive.
Once you have found your perfect location for your rose planting, follow the basics for digging the hole. It should be slightly larger than the size of the container the rose came in to give adequate space for the root system. If you ordered roses from a rose grower and they came with bare roots. Follow the directions that came with the plant. Usually you will be instructed to soak the roots in water overnight before planting. The depth of the hole depends on the climate where you live. In Colder areas roses need to be planted slightly deeper. Check with other rose growers in your area for the proper depth you should use. While the depth may vary in different areas, your roses will benefit if you loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole. Place some compost in the bottom of the hole and add some bone meal which is a source of phosphorus. It is slow acting and encourages healthy root development. Spread the roots out slightly after placing the plant in the hole. Backfill the hole making sure that the soil settles around the roots. When you’re within the last two inches of soil, water the plant. Then add the rest of the soil and firm the soil slightly. Water the plant again and you are ready for mulch or top dressing.
Get your copy of Guide to Growing Roses for more on rose planting.
Now Is The Time For Planting A Rose Garden
