Planting a Rose Bush

When Spring comes and the ground has thawed, you know it must be time to start planting your rose garden. Roses are a beautiful and fragrant addition among other flowers in any garden, but special precaution must be taken when planting these delicate posies. If planted the right way, you will enjoy watching them bloom year after year.

Tools and Materials

• Rose bush
• Shovel or spade
• Peat moss or compost material
• Sand (if neccessary)
• Hand pruner
• Top soil
• Water
• Pruning paint
• Loose soil

• Tip: It may be wise to add peat moss or some form of compost to the dirt in the hole before planting the rose. Sand should also be added if the soil is extremely moist.

Step 2: Examine Roots. Examine the roots carefully after the plant is placed in the hole. Trim back dead or broken roots with a hand pruner.

Step 3: Form a Cone. Use top soil to form a cone in the bottom of the hole where the rose bush is to be planted. Spread the rose roots evenly over this cone. Again, make sure the hole is large enough to provide adequate room for all rose roots.

Step 4: Set Depth. Set the rose bush at the proper depth. Most healthy rose bushes have three strong shoots coming up from the root system. Cover the knot just below these three shoots to a depth of 1".



Step 5: Pack the Soil. Pack the soil firmly around the roots of the rose bush. Fill the hole with water and allow it to soak in. Then, refill the hole again.

Step 6: Prune the Bush. Prune the rose bush after planting. Prune hybrid tea roses back to lengths of about 6" to 8". Trim floribundas to lengths of approximately 4" to 6". Spray all pruned areas with a special pruning paint to prevent damage from insects and disease

• Tip: Build a mound around the newly planted rose bush with loose soil of top grade to enrich the plant with nutrients.

Courtesy of the National Retail Hardware Association.

- Back to Top -