Planting a Container Rose

If you have purchased a rose in a plastic pot, you can either transplant it into your garden, or into a container. Either way, follow these simple instructions to create a happy home for your new rose plant:

Step 1: Find its new home:  Select a pot with drainage holes that is the same depth as the container and about 18 inches wide, or dig a hole of the same dimensions.

Step 2: Loosen the soil around root ball to expose the roots.  As plants grow tall, their roots get long as well. If the plant is in a small pot, the roots can get bound up in a ball and prevent the plant from reaching its true potential. Repotting is the perfect time to resolve this.  If your rose is "rootbound", score it by making vertical cuts with a sharp knife. Open the scores about an inch to allow roots to form.

Step 3: Place the rose bush in the center of the pot (or hole) and fill in with basic potting soil. 

Step 4: With your hands, work the soil mixture around the roots to eliminate any air pockets.

Step 5: Water thoroughly to establish good soil contact.  If you have organic mulch like wood chips, shredded bark, pine needles or peat nuggets, add that as a top layer to help the soil retain moisture.  

Step 6: Sit back and enjoy your rose plant!