Rose Cultivation: Planting

When you purchase rose bushes from Rustic Hideaway, they will already be in active growth in their own pots. The first thing that you want to do is select where you are going to plant your new roses. Soil requirements of roses are much the same as other ornamental shrubs: decent, fertile soil that is neither too heavy (clay), nor too light (sandy), and is well-drained. Roses do not like soil that is too wet.

Another important factor is the amount of sun that they will receive. While most reference books recommend a minimum of 4-6 hours of sun per day, you can make adjustments to this to provide either higher-quality blooms, or higher-QUANTITY blooms. In general, if a rose planting receives 4-6 hours of sun per day, MAXIMUM, the plant will produce very high-quality flowers. Once you get beyond this exposure range, the number of flowers will increase, but at the expense of the quality of the bloom, with most varieties. It should be noted that roses need at least four hours of sun per day, however. It all has to do with the average temperature of the growing environment. Professional growers, who grow roses for the cut-flower market, aim for a daytime average high of 72° F, and a nighttime low of 60° F. This is why the amount of sunlight is so important to the quality of the flowers.

The next thing to take into consideration is the planting depth. One common mistake that people make when planting a new rose is planting them too shallow - usually only as deep as the soil level in the pot. I will repeat: This is too shallow in most cases! In our climate, a rose bush should be planted with the bud union approximately one inch BELOW soil level:

Click photo for larger image

The above photo shows the proper planting depth for a new rose plant. Take note that the bud union (or graft) is the swollen part that the canes originate from. It is necessary to plant them at this depth to help protect the graft of the plant from being frozen-out during the winter months.

When planting a new rose, it is advisable to check the planting depth before removing the plant from the pot. Once the hole is dug, set the plant - pot and all - in the hole, and adjust the depth as necessary. When you're at the proper depth, and ready to plant the rose, cut the bottom of the pot off first. Then set the plant in the hole, and carefully make a cut up the side of the pot. Spread the pot, and carefully lift it out of the hole. These steps are necessary to keep from disturbing the root ball. From here, fill the hole approximately three-fourths (or a little more) of the way with soil, and dump in a gallon of clear water. Once the water dissipates, fill the hole the rest of the way with soil.

Once the rose is planted, it is a good idea to apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will help conserve moisture, keep weeds down, and keep the roots cool (there's that temperature thing, again). Check the plant every day to make sure that it doesn't wilt. Water only if necessary. It usually takes two to two-and-a-half weeks for a rose plant to become established.

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