Rose Planting Tips

Roses have a reputation for being difficult, but that reputation is mostly overblown — the fundamentals aren't much different from planting any other flowering shrub.

Choosing Your Plant

Roses come in three basic forms: bare-root, available from winter through early spring and planted once the ground thaws; prepackaged, similar to bare-root but shipped in a box with moisture-retaining material like sawdust; and container-grown, sold budding and nearly ready to bloom in early spring. Whichever you choose, the planting method matches any other shrub — well-drained, sunny soil with enough room to grow, cleared of dead leaves and unhealthy shoots before planting. A bare-root rose should soak in water for 10 to 12 hours beforehand to rehydrate the roots.

Ongoing Needs

Roses are thirstier and hungrier than most shrubs. Fertilize from early spring through the start of fall, without overdoing it, and water the bed thoroughly every three to four days. Pruning — done differently depending on the rose type, so follow the guidance that comes with your specific plant — both improves bloom and supports the plant's overall health. It's genuinely more work than many other garden shrubs, but a rose bed in full bloom tends to make the extra effort feel worthwhile.