Planting Your Rose Garden

Getting a rose off to a strong start comes down to three things: the right spot, well-prepared soil, and correct planting depth — all far more important than the specific rose variety chosen.

Choosing and Preparing the Site

Roses want at least six hours of direct sun and good air circulation, which helps prevent the fungal diseases roses are notoriously prone to. Dig a hole roughly twice as wide as the rose's root ball, working compost into the surrounding soil to give roots rich, well-draining ground to grow into.

Spacing roses at least two to three feet apart, depending on the variety's mature size, keeps air moving freely between plants once they fill in.

First Weeks After Planting

Water deeply and regularly for the first several weeks while the rose establishes its root system, and hold off on fertilizing until you see new growth, which signals the plant is actively growing again.