How to Plant and Care for Roses

There are many types of rose's climber, ground covers and bushes.  Gardeners around the world plant and grow roses in their yard. While established roses are easy to maintain the newly planted rose may be tricky, as the rose tends to need tender loving care.   The gardener will need to be patient and watchful of their young rose as they are prone to many illnesses. However once the rose is established in the garden you will find that the care is minimum and the live span of the rose is long. Here are some tips on how to plant and care for the rose.

When to plant

The best time to plant, a rose is in the early spring. Check your soil, if it is loose and you are able to work it then plant your bare root rose. If you are planting a nursery-grown rose that is in a container then it is best to refrain from planting until after the danger of frost has past. 

The garden site

Select a garden site that has six to eight hours of sun. Roses also grow better in an area that has air circulation; refrain from planting next to a wall or your home. The ideal soil for growing roses needs to be rich and well drained. Select an area that does not hold water.  You may want to consider planting a rose garden along a walkway, or as a border plant. The bushy nature of the rose makes it very attractive when planted in masses.   

Prepare the roses

Prune the roses to remove any dead branches. Remove all suckers that are growing outward from the roots.

Fill buckets with tepid water. Place the bare root rose into the water. Allow the rose to soak overnight prior to planting. 

Planting the rose

Clear the garden site of all weeds and rocks. Loosen the soil with your shovel. Work four inches of compost or manure into the soil. Mix into the soil a time released fertilizer formulated for roses. Cover the bare root of the rose with soil up to the bud union. Roses when established are busy so allow a minimum of three feet between each bush. Water the rose thoroughly. 

Caring for roses

Set up a slow drip hose for your roses. Water your roses in the morning. Keep the ground evenly moist and refrain from allowing it to dry out. Refrain from getting the leaves wet as this may attract black spot or other pests.

Apply three inches of organic mulch around your rose bush. The mulch will help to retain moisture and will cut down on weed growth.

Feed your roses throughout the growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer. This will encourage repeat blooms.

Deadhead the roses to encourage repeat blooms.

Watch for black spot on the leaves. This fungal disorder turns the rose leaves yellow. Prevent infection by pruning the infected branches.

Weed the rose garden weekly. A clean garden will repel pests.