If you want your garden to be the envy of all your neighbors, then you need to have at least one rosebush. Roses are beautiful and they smell great too! But how do you plant a rose bush? What month is best for planting roses? Where should they go in the yard or garden? Do they like shade or sun? Here are some answers to these common questions about planting roses so that your plants will flourish this summer!
What month is best for planting roses?
It’s not an exact science, but generally speaking, the best month to plant roses is April, but anytime during spring after the last frost is fine. Some people prefer to plant roses in the fall, though. If you plant early enough in the autumn, the roots will still have time to get established before the plants go dormant in the winter. Soil preparation is easier in the fall, and the fall-planted roses will bloom earlier in June than the spring-planted roses.
How much sunlight do roses need?
Roses need quite a bit of sunlight—about 4 to 6 hours a day! They thrive in full sun but can also do well with partial shade. If you live somewhere where there are hot spells, it’s better to plant your roses on the east or north side of other plants so that they’re shaded during the hottest part of the day.
Where should you plant roses?
You will want to check the soil type where you’re planting roses. Most rose bushes do well in a range of soils and are tolerant to acidic, neutral, or alkaline conditions. If your soil has a clay content that’s too high, it might not be a good idea for you to plant roses (or you’ll at least need to adjust the soil) because they don’t like wet feet!
You’ll also need to think about the type of roses you’re planting. If you chose ramblers and climbers, for instance, place them along trellises, fences, pergolas, or arches to support them as they grow.
How deep should you plant roses?
If the ground is dry, water it well before digging a hole 24-36 inches deep by 18 inches wide.
Plant your roses at least 18 inches deep, so that the top of the root ball is just below the surface. If you’ve used containers to plant in, choose one with a depth of 24+ inches.
How far apart should rose plants be?
If you’ve chosen to plant a container, spacing them 18 inches apart will give your roses plenty of room for adequate air circulation and light. If you’re planting in the ground, they need at least three feet between each other (more if possible). Planting roses too close together will result in a lack of blossoms or flowers.
How do you prepare the soil for roses?
Plant roses in a sunny, well-drained location. When you’re preparing your soil for planting roses, dig in compost to add nutrients and help with drainage. You’ll need plenty of room for good air circulation around your plant’s root system. A pH level between six and seven will help to keep the roots healthy too. You’ll also need an inch of peat moss or another kind of mulch to keep moisture levels consistent.
What types of flowers should I plant next to roses?
You can also plant other flowers next to the roses, but they’ll need at least one foot of space between each row. There are a few good choices for companion plants that will work well with your roses. These include lavender (which smells heavenly), geraniums, and petunias! The colors really complement the red or pink roses, especially.
In conclusion, planting roses isn’t as difficult as it seems at first. Although they can be finicky, they produce beautiful flowers for a long time. They’re well worth the time you put into them!
