Plant A Rose

Planting and growing rose bushes is easy and rewarding. Here are some simple tips to help you plant the perfect rose bush.

Depth

• Planting from a Potted Plant:
  • The depth of the hole needs to be the same as the depth of the pot.
  • Place the pot in the hole and make sure the top of the potted soil is at ground level.
• Planting with Root System:
  • Make sure all dimensions of the hole you dig (depth and width) are slightly bigger than the root system.

Soil

• Soil can always benefit from adding more organic matter, preferably our sphagnum peat moss and reed-sedge or Michigan-type peat.
• Preferable soil balance has 50% organic matter (bonemeal, peat moss).
• If you’re not sure what type of soil you’re working with or how your soil will affect you roses, you can always dig a big hole and fill it with our nursery potting soil.

Mulch

• 3-in mulch depth is most beneficial.
• Mulching decreases the likelihood of other plants encroaching on the roses’ growing area.
• Decreases water evaporation so the roses can absorb the water
  Keeps the soil temperature constant and helps prevent against harsh weather conditions.
• Helpful for weed control

Plant a rose in an area that receives a minimum of six hours of sunshine each day. Dig the hole for planting large enough to give the roots plenty of room.

It may be wise to add peat moss or some form of compost to the dirt in the hole before planting the rose. Sand should also be added if the soil is extremely moist.

Examine the roots carefully after the plant is placed in the hole. Trim back dead or broken roots with a hand pruner.

Use top soil to form a cone in the bottom of the hole where the rose bush is to be planted. Spread the rose roots evenly over this cone. Again, make sure the hole is large enough to provide adequate room for all rose roots.

Set the rose bush at the proper depth. Most healthy rose bushes have three strong shoots coming up from the root system. Cover the knot just below the three shoots to a depth of 1".

Pack the soil firmly around the roots of the rose bush. Fill the hole with water and allow it to soak in. Then, refill the hole again.

Prune the rose bush after planting. Prune hybrid tea roses back to lengths of about 6" to 8". Trim floribundas to lengths of approximately 4" to 6". Spray all pruned areas with a special pruning paint to prevent damage from insects and disease.

* Build a mound around the newly planted rose bush with loose soil of top grade.

Tool & Materials Checklist

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the National Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.