How to plant a potted rose?
Step 1. Dig and prepare the planting hole.
Ensure the hole dug is wider and deeper than the container in which the rose is growing, with the bottoms of the branches around an inch below soil level. If possible the ground should be prepared well in advance, dug deeply and dressed with well-rotted farmyard manure, compost or other organic material and bone meal. Never use fresh farmyard manure and never allow any sort of manure or fertiliser to come into direct contact with the roots when planting, as it could burn the roots.
Step 2. Remove the rose from its pot.
When removing your rose from its pot we would recommend leaving the root ball intact instead of teasing the roots out, as this could damage the young rose’s delicate root system which needs time to establish. We would also advise that if a rose is purchased before June to leave it in its pot until after this time to give the roots time to establish and bind with the surrounding soil.
Step 3. Ensure the correct planting depth
With the plant upright carefully replace the soil, remembering to ensure that the first inch or so of the branches are below soil level. Then firm gently with the feet to ensure that there are no air pockets around the roots.
Step 4. Water well.
Don’t forget that container roses planted in the summer will require regular watering. For more advice on feeding and watering click here.
