How to Grow Roses

Many gardeners feel intimidated by roses, but they shouldn't. Roses are actually among the easiest shrubs to grow if certain basic needs are seen to. They need to be planted in deep, loamy soil in a sunny spot protected from strong, cold wind. A gardener knows where the sun shines in their yard and if the soil is too acidic, alkaline or nutrient poor it can be amended. As for wind, a hedge, fence or a wall should provide adequate protection for a rosebush.

The best time to plant roses is in the early spring or the fall, with some gardeners preferring the fall, as the winter, provided it’s not to severe, will toughen the plant up and make it ready to grow in spring.

A rose plant will usually be grafted onto the rootstock of a wild species and have three to five canes growing out of the main stem. Canes that are weakish or spindly should be cut out and the rest should be pruned to about a foot. The hole should be wide and deep enough for the rots to rest in without being crowded. Sometimes the roots are planted all in one direction, with the plant placed against the side of the hole and the roots fanned out. The place where the scion and the stock meet should be at ground level. Then, the hole should be filled, watered, then more soil added. A shallow depression should be left for watering.

The distance between rose bushes depends on what kind of variety it is, how vigorously it grows, and whether it’s in a mild or colder climate. Bush roses need about two feet between them, while climbers, ramblers and larger shrubs need at least four or five feet between them.

For more information about how to plant roses and other variety of flowers, please visitTidy's Flowers for more advice and consultation.