To begin, roses need to be grown in full sun. They like to be in soil that is well-amended with organic matter and has good soil drainage. A raised flower bed with additional compost is a great place for a rose. Starting with healthy soil will prevent you from needing to fertilize much later on.
- Know the type of rose you are planting. Hybrid tea and grandiflora roses usually are spaced 24 to 36 inches apart and Floribundas usually are spaced 18 to 24 inches apart.
- Soak the roots of the rose plants in a bucket or tub of water for several hours before planting or wrap the plants in clean wet sacks to allow the roots and stems to absorb all the moisture they can.
- Dig individual holes at least 12”to 24” inches deep. Firm the soil with the hands, then form a mound with the top of the cone about three inches below bed level.
For a complete rose plating guide visit our web site MilbergerNursery.com and click on the Roses selection under the Gardening Center tab.
After the roots are covered with soil, fill the hole with water and allow it to drain away; then refill with water. After the water is drained away the second time, fill the hole with soil, mounding it slightly above the bed level to allow for settling. At this point the base of the bud union should be about two inches above the soil level.
