Things You'll Need:
- Rose bushes in pots acceptable for your hardiness zone
- Shovel
- Organic matter (peat moss, compost or manure)
- Bone meal
- Water
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Step 1
Select a place in your landscape where the soil drains well and there is at least 5 hours of sunlight each day. Roses do grow best in all-day sun.
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Step 2
Dig a hole that is approximately 18 inches deep and 18 inches in diameter. For a rose bed filled with many plants, prepare the entire area 18 inches deep. This loosens the soil that will surround the roots.
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Step 3
Depending on your soil, mix up to 50 percent organic matter and a handful of bone meal with the soil from your landscape. Soils with heavy clay require more organic matter than lighter, sandier soils.
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Step 4
Partially fill the hole with the mixed soil forming a pyramid in the center.
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Step 5
Carefully slide the rose bush out of the container. Examine it and remove any broken roots.
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Step 6
Place the plant in the center of the hole, spreading the roots slightly. In climates where winter temperatures remain above 0 degrees F, position the bud union or crown at ground level by adding or removing soil to the pyramid. In climates where winter temperatures fall below 0 degrees F, position the crown 1 to 2 inches below ground level.
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Step 7
Begin filling in the hole with soil, working between the roots and tamping lightly to prevent air pockets.
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Step 8
When the hole is three-quarters filled, gently dump a bucket of water into the hole. Allow the water to soak in. A second bucket of water can be added if desired.
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Step 9
Once the water soaks in, check to make sure the crown is at the proper level. If not, adjust the plant. Then fill the hole until it is even with the ground.
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Step 10
Spread 2 inches of mulch over the area to help keep the plant protected and the soil moist.
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Step 11
Roses need wet soil. Water at least twice a week with a slow-dripping hose so that the soil is soaked the full 18 inches. A rose's roots like water but not the leaves, so avoid spraying them when watering.
