How to Plant Potted Roses

Planting potted roses is about as simple as planting any other type of flower - just dig a hole and plant. However, with a little care, you can make sure your rose gets off to a surer start by taking some tips from the pros.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Compost Makers
• Garden Hoses
• Garden Spades
• Mulch
• Potted Rose Bushes

1. Plant container roses in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. In warmer parts of the country (Zones 6 and warmer) plant in early autumn once the weather has cooled slightly.

2. Choose your roses well. It's better if your rose has no flowers on it since you want the plant to divert its energy into getting established rather than flowering. Trim off any flowers, if necessary.

3. Choose the right site. Roses like full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light a day).

4. Prepare the soil well. Roses like rich, well-drained soil. Work in several spadesful of compost into the planting hole and dig down to a depth of 2 feet.

5. Knock the rose from it's container and plant in the hole. Position it so the soil level of the rose matches the soil level of the surrounding soil.

6. Make a moat-like ring around the rose to pool water.

7. Water well.

Tips & Warnings

• Get your roses off to a great start by working in a slow-release granular fertilizer into the planting hole. Most take care of all your roses nutrient needs for an entire planting season.

• Never buy a container rose that has the slightest hint of disease. It should look outrageously healthy. Choose roses with no wilting, yellowing, or dropped leaves and absolutely no black spots, rusty spots, or dusty gray powdery mildew.