Planting tips for long lasting roses

It seems obvious that the best time to plant new roses is in October when the roses are at their best.

Not so, says rose grower Ludwig Taschner. His advice is to plant in May and June, even July, because that lets the roses settle in over winter and be ready to flower in October.

Because the roses don’t need to put their strength into growing and flowering says Ludwig, they have time and energy to establish strong, well-spread roots.

By the time October comes around, roses planted in June are well established and are able to flower just as well as more established roses. By Ludwig’s estimation, roses planted in June are six months ahead of the roses that are only planted in September or October.

Roses can live for up to 15 years, or more, if planted in well-prepared soil. Deeply dug holes or beds filled with composted soil allows the rose to develop a strong root system. With such a foundation, the rose  not only performs superbly but can withstand erratic watering and dry spells.

Step by step planting in the garden

• Dig a 50cm deep hole and place the soil to one side. Loosen the bared sub-soil by another 20 cm. If planting a bed of roses, the whole bed should be dug over to the depth of 50 cm, rather than making individual holes for the roses.
• Mix organic matter like peanut shells, apricot pips or bark as well as compost or planting mix into the topsoil that was placed to one side. Adding in Vigolonger, a controlled release rose fertiliser, will provide nutrients for the whole season. Fill in the hole, water well and leave overnight.
• The following day, open up the hole and put the rose (still in its black plastic bag) into the hole and check the planting height is correct. The level of the rose in the bag should be on the same level as the top of the bed/hole.
• Once the height is correct, remove the rose from the bag, slightly loosen the root ball and plant, filling in the soil around the root ball. Firm down the soil around the rose and make a basin round the plant.
• Water the plant well, giving it at least 20 litres of water. Water every day for one week.
• Once the soil has settled, fill in the basin, cover the soil with mulch and water two to three times a week, depending on the temperature.

Good to know: The bud union is the point where the rose variety is grafted onto the rose Woodstock. It forms a knob and this needs to be just under the soil.

How to plant a rose in a container

Roses grow beautifully in containers, are easier to water with a hand-held hose or bucket, diseases and pests are easier to control and pots can be moved to always be in the best place for the rose.

Plant the rose in the right-sized container, the larger the better. Use a 10 litre container for a single miniature rose, a 20-litre container for a medium sized bush rose, and a 40/50-litre container for two or more roses planted together. Roses can stay in a container for six to eight years, provided it’s the correct size.

Step by step planting

• Mix organics and compost into the potting soil, or use arose planting mix. Add a controlled release fertiliser like Vigolonger.
• Three quarter fill the container with potting mix. Place the rose, still in its black bag, in the pot to check the height. The soil should be level with the rim of the container and the rose plant should be covered with soil at the same level as it is in the bag.
• Once the level is correct, take the rose out of its black plastic bag, loosen the roots, and fill in with potting soil, firmly it down gently. Water well to settle the soil and get rid of air pockets.

For more information click here.

Article and images supplied by Alice Coetzee. 

For more on gardening, visit Get It Magazine.