Planting and Caring for Roses
"Anyone can have dirt.  Rosarians have soil."
The Rambler, The American Rose Magazine
 
Home About ORS About ARS Feedback
Public Gardens Planting Roses Pests and Diseases Pruning Roses Growing Roses Other Resources


Note: There are as many ways to grow roses as there are rosarians. This information is offered as a general guideline for growing roses in the cool, wet Pacific Northwest. No guarantees!


Site Preparation

Single rows of roses require beds at least 3 feet wide; double rows need 4 to 5 feet. For convenience, it is preferable to not have more than two rows. Well prepared beds pay big returns in rose enjoyment!

Dig a hole about 18 inches deep by 2 feet in diameter for each bush. Incorporate a generous amount of organic material (peat moss or garden compost) with the native soil and 1 cup of dolomite lime. Mix thoroughly. If the soil is not well drained, consider growing roses in raised beds--roses need plenty of water, but the soil has to drain well. They don't like wet feet.

Timing and Planting

Plant bare root roses from November through March when the soil is not frozen. Potted roses may be planted at almost any time.

Select good quality rose bushes (preferably from a reputable nursery or mail order, NOT the drugstore) which have not dried out in storage or shipment. Store bare root roses in a cool place if they are not to be planted immediately. Keep them moist. Soak roots briefly before planting. Potted roses may be held indefinitely before planting, provided usual watering and feeding continue. Bare root roses should be pruned back slightly before planting, cutting back to strong buds. Potted roses need to be pruned when planted. Dig a hole at least 18 inches deep in a prepared bed, mound up the soil in the middle, and arrange the roots over this mound so that the bud union (where the rose is grafted to the root) is level with the bed. Cover the roots with some soil, firm the soil around the roots and water thoroughly. When the soil has settled, finish filling the hole and mound soil over the canes to conserve moisture. (Note: This is important when planting in the early spring. Don't let the rose canes dry out before the roots get a chance to grow and supply moisture to the canes!) When new growth has started, remove the excess soil over the bud union so that it is exposed near the level of the bed.

Location and Watering

Roses grow best in a sunny location; six hours daily is considered a minimum for lots of blooms. Try to select a location where there will be sun for at least half the day, not too near large trees or hedges. Morning sun with afternoon shade is preferable. Avoid planting in excessively sandy or clayey soils. Roses do best in relatively fine textured, but well drained, soils.

Roses in Olympia require at least one inch of water per week during the growing months. Slow soaking is best. Avoid overhead watering in the evening as it contributes to mildew and other diseases.

Fertilization

Hybrid Teas, Grandifloras, Floribundas, and Climbers

Apply 1/2 cup of 10-20-20 per bush, three times per year. First application in late March or early April; second application in May; third application in late June or early July.

Miniatures

First application in early April using 1 tablespoon of 10-20-20 scattered around each plant and scratched in lightly. For the second application in early June use a soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer such as Rapid-Gro, mixed according to the directions on the package; use 1 cup of this solution around the base of each plant. The third application early in July is the same as the second.

Old Garden Roses

Most Old Garden Roses don't need much fertilizer. Once in the early spring with a general all purpose 20-20-20 will hold them for the year.

Home About ORS About ARS Feedback
Public Gardens Planting Roses Pests and Diseases Pruning Roses Growing Roses Other Resources
 
© 1997 Olympia Rose Society