When to Plant Rose Shrubs?

Plant potted roses at any time in summer.

Rose bushes are usually planted from nursery-grown stock. Planting roses at the proper time allows the plants to take advantage of the warm days of summer to put on new growth and become established in their permanent bed. Planting times depend on how the roses are packaged at the nursery and the climate in your region.

Bare-Root Roses

Plant bare-root roses outside six weeks before the last expected spring frost date in your area. Bare-root roses are not sold in soil. Instead the roots are wrapped in burlap or plastic. There may be peat moss or another packing material around the roots. Since these roses are planted while they are still dormant, they are less likely to be harmed by late spring frosts. As soon as the weather warms sufficiently the roses begin putting on new growth and extending roots in the bed. By planting earlier they have all spring and summer to become established.

Potted Roses

Potted roses aren't dormant so must not be planted until after the last expected spring frost to avoid damage. A late-season frost kills the tender new shoots and stems on the potted rose. The roses come planted in potting soil in a nursery pot. The roots are already actively growing so the plant is able to establish quickly in the planting bed. If you cannot get your rose bush planted in the bed immediately, you can water and care for it in the nursery pot for several weeks without endangering the plant's health.

Fall Planting Concerns

While bare-root roses must be planted in early spring, roses sold in pots of soil can be planted throughout summer and into early fall. While late planting is possible, you must still get the potted rose into the ground early enough in fall to give the roots a chance to establish. Waiting too long results in weak rooting and makes the rose bush more prone to winter damage. Plant potted roses no later than two months before the first expected fall frost. The roses go dormant after a frost and so are unable to further establish until the following spring.

After-Planting Care

While timing your rose planting is vital to the continued health of the plant, post-planting care ensures the newly planted bush settles in well. Make sure it gets an inch of water each week from either irrigation or rainfall. Do not allow the soil to dry out during the first summer after planting. To ensure the plants receive enough water, irrigate the roses until the top foot of soil is moistened. Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch over the planting site once the roses are in the ground. The mulch helps retain moisture in the soil so the ground dries out more slowly.

References

• Colorado State Extension: Selecting and Planting Roses; A.W. Nelson and C.E. Swift; May 2006
• University of Rhode Island Extension: Planting Roses; Jane Martin and Angie Eckert; 2000