Planting Roses

There is no garden species that is more recognizable than the rose. Planting roses is an ideal way to bring interest, beauty, and fragrance to your garden. The planting season and rose variety, as well as some helpful planting techniques, will help ensure a beautiful rose garden for years to come.

The best time for planting roses is between early spring and early fall. The earlier it is in the season, the better the rose selection will be. You want to plant your roses early enough in the season so they have a substantial root system prior to the first frost. Additionally, roses purchased at the nursery tend to be either bare root roses or potted roses. Ideally, bare root roses should be placed in the ground early in the season before any new shoot growth. Potted roses are more flexible in their planting times, and they can be planted any time within the season.

Choosing the ideal rose variety is dependent on many factors including the region in which you live, as well as the soil, sun, and moisture conditions. Roses are usually divided into either the Old Garden and Modern Garden varieties. Old Garden roses are those that have been around since before 1867, while Modern Garden roses are those that came into existence after 1867. Within each category, there are also numerous varieties of roses. Prior to purchasing or planting your roses, choose your ideal garden spot. Its conditions will guide your choice of roses. For example, if you would like your roses to climb up a partially shaded porch, a climbing hybrid musk variety would work well. The internet and library are both full resources to help guide your choices. Additionally, your local nursery staff will also be able to help you with your decision.

When it's time to start planting your roses, there are a few helpful hints to ensure healthy and prolonged blooms. If you have purchased bare root roses, you'll want to get them in early enough to grow a substantial root system before the next frost. Container roses, on the other hand, already have a substantial root system, and planting them seems to be much easier. With container roses, you simply dig a hole larger than the root ball and insert, filling to the soil line. Bare root roses require extra care and most will include planting instructions. The depth of planting for bare root roses is judged on the position of the bud union, the swollen joint where the grafted piece meets the main plant. In places with warm winters, the bud union should be approximately one inch above the soil. In areas with moderate winters, placing the bud union at the soil level is recommended. For more protection of the delicate bud union in hard winter climates, bury it approximately two inches below the soil line. Incorporating companion planting will also help create a thriving environment for your roses.

Planting roses is an enjoyable garden activity. With proper planning, you will be able to create a beautiful focal point within your garden. To stay in touch with others who share your passion for gardening, join the PicturesqueGarden forum today. It's an easy way to share knowledge and insight within the garden community.