Basics of Planting Roses
February 11, 2010 by admin
Filed under Flower, Gardening Tips
Roses are often considered the grandest bloom in the garden’s panoply of flowers. A full-blown rose is a universe of beauty within itself, exquisite, delicate, and so very fragrant. Unfortunately, roses also have a reputation for being temperamental, fragile, and easy to kill. That reputation is unfair! Even beginning gardeners will have wonderful success with growing roses if they adhere to some basic planting techniques. Be sure to also see our guide on Pruning Roses and Flowering Bushes for help in caring for your bushes.
The first step is to till your flower bed to a depth of at least 18 inches, and 24 inches wide. If you use a motorized rotary tiller, and the blades do not reach down that deep, remove eight to twelve inches of soil with a shovel, and then till the soil beneath. If doing the job by hand, dig out the bed to the desired depth, and then back fill it half-way with dirt that has been turned, separated, and loosened. This deep-till method loosens soil to a greater depth, allowing for the rapid growth of rose roots, which is the first step to magnificent blooms. It also opens passages for oxygen and water to get to the roots, which will contribute to radiant, colorful flowers.
On top of the layer of soil that half-fills the trench, add a layer of barnyard manure or rich compost. For developing your own compost, see our Guide “Understanding the Basics of Composting.” Then add soil until the trench is filled.
The next step is to prepare a hole in which to place your rose plant. As with most shrubs and trees, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. As for depth, it should be one inch deeper than the height of the root ball. The purpose is to give the roots rooms to spread out laterally without planting the ball so deep the stalks, or canes, of the rose plants might be put in jeopardy of rotting in wet soil.
Now, remove the rose plant from any container or cloth that surrounds it. Gently loosen the roots, being careful not to pull hard on them. Damaging roots at this stage will stunt growth and blossom production. Soak the root ball in a pail of water for 15-30 minutes to allow it to absorb a healthy drink before entering the ground.
Place the plant in the hole and hold it steady with one hand. With the other hand, backfill the hole gently, using your other hand or a hand trowel. Gently pack soil around the roots. Never compress it by stepping on it. Soak the planted rose bush with water, and then fill in any gaps in the soil created by settling. The best time to plant roses is between October and April when the ground is not frozen. Potted roses purchased from a nursery may be planted into May, but require more watering and oversight to make sure they are thriving and not drying out. Growing beautiful roses is not beyond the reach of any gardener. Careful attention to these basic principles will get your newly planted roses off to a great start!
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