Bringing Plants Home

Plant ASAP: Roses are best planted as soon as possible after purchase.

 

If Delayed: Keep the pot in a sheltered location with partial sun, water regularly, and protect from wind.

Choosing the Right Location

Sun Requirements: Roses need 6+ hours of full sun daily to bloom well.

 

Shelter: Choose a location with good airflow but protected from harsh wind.

 

Spacing: Leave 2–3 ft. between bushes for air circulation and growth.

Soil Preparation

Soil Type: Roses thrive in rich, well-draining soil.

 

pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

 

Amendments: Mix compost, well-rotted manure, or peat moss into the planting area. Good drainage is essential—avoid heavy clay or standing water.

Planting Your Rose

Hole Size: Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the pot or root system.

 

Bare Root Roses: Soak roots in water for a few hours before planting.

 

Grafted Roses: Ensure the graft union is 2" below soil level to protect it in cold climates.

 

Backfill: Use amended soil. Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.

Mulching

Depth: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base.

 

Benefits: Retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and protects roots from temperature swings.

 

Keep Away from Stems: Leave a small gap around the base of the canes to prevent rot.

Watering

Initial Watering: Deeply water after planting.

 

Regular Schedule: 1"–2" of water per week, more in heat. Water deeply to encourage deep roots.

Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease—water at the base early in the day.

Fertilizing

When to Start: Begin feeding in early spring when new growth appears.

 

What to Use: Use a rose-specific fertilizer or a balanced formula like 10-10-10.

 

Schedule: First feed in spring. Second after the first bloom cycle. Optional third feed in mid-summer (do not feed past early August to avoid soft late growth).

 

Avoid over-fertilizing—too much nitrogen can cause lush leaves but few blooms.

Staking & Support

Bush Roses: Usually don’t need support.

 

Climbing Roses: Install a trellis, arbor, or fence before planting. Tie canes gently using soft ties or garden twine.

 

Shrub or Tall Varieties: May need staking in windy areas or to keep upright.

Pest & Disease Monitoring

Common Pests: Aphids, Japanese beetles, thrips, and rose sawflies.

 

Common Diseases: Black spot, powdery mildew, rust.

 

Preventative Care: Water at the base and prune for airflow. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for pests.

Apply fungicides early in the season if prone to black spot. Remove affected leaves promptly and dispose (don’t compost).

Pruning

When: Best done in early spring once buds begin to swell.

 

How: Remove dead, weak, or crossing canes.

Cut at a 45° angle above outward-facing buds.

Aim for 4–6 healthy canes on established roses.

 

Deadheading: Remove spent blooms throughout the season to encourage reblooming.

Some shrub and Canadian hardy types are self-cleaning.

Seasonal Care

Spring: Prune, feed, mulch, and monitor early pests.

 

Summer: Deadhead, feed mid-season, and watch for disease.

 

Fall: Stop fertilizing. Allow hips to form to encourage dormancy. Clean up fallen leaves to prevent overwintering disease.

 

Winter: Protect tender varieties as needed.

Avoid fertilizing or disturbing roots.

Winter Protection

Zone 5 Hardy Roses (Explorer, Parkland): Generally overwinter well with minimal protection.

 

Tender Roses (Hybrid Teas, Floribundas):

Mound soil or compost 6–12" up around the base in late fall. Cover with mulch or straw, or use a rose collar. Do not prune hard in fall—wait until spring.

Container Roses

Pot Size: Use large containers (18" or more) with good drainage.

 

Soil Mix: Use high-quality potting mix with compost.

 

Wintering: Either: Move into unheated garage/shed, or Wrap the pot in burlap or insulation and mulch heavily.

Special Notes

Fragrance: Many old-fashioned and shrub roses offer strong scents—great for sensory gardens.

 

Pollinator-Friendly: Single or semi-double roses attract bees and butterflies.

 

Long Bloomers: Floribundas and modern shrub roses often rebloom until frost.

 

Climbing Tip: Train canes horizontally to increase flowering along their length.