Regional Growing Guide: Upper South
Hot, hazy and humid describes much of the year in this region, where roses commence their first peak of bloom by Mother's Day, then continue budding out and blooming through December. While most of the rain comes during winter and early spring, fierce afternoon thunderstorms, nor-easters and even hurricanes may blow through during summer months. The soil may be acidic or sandy: amending with lime helps balance the pH, while compost provides nutrients and improves drainage. The best roses are heat tolerant and resist black spot: new roses often offer improved repeat blooming as well.
Select a season: Spring Early Summer Late Summer Fall Winter
Planting Roses
Choose a spot in full sun -- at least 6 hours per day. Roses require as much sun as you can provide and a bit of pampering, which begins at planting time. Ideally, you'll have prepared the garden bed by amending the soil with compost. At the very least, plan to add some compost to the hole at planting time.
Roses are available as either container-grown stock or as bare-root plants.
Planting Bare-Root Roses
Bare-root plants are available during the dormant season and are the most economical way to plant roses. The roses you see boxed up or wrapped in plastic are bare-root -- the roots are packed in moist sawdust or shredded newspaper. Roses ordered by mail will arrive bare-root. Some experts believe that bare-root stock acclimates to particular soil conditions better than roses planted from container stock.
When planting a bare-root rose, begin by unwrapping the plant and soaking the roots in water for several hours. While it's soaking, dig a deep hole -- at least 18 inches deep and 18 inches wide. Amend the soil you removed from the hole with compost; then build a cone of this soil in the bottom of the hole. Remove the rose from the water, trim any damaged or extra long roots, then place the plant in the hole, draping the roots around the soil cone you made in the center. Position the plant so the graft (the swelling between the roots and the cane) sits about an inch below ground level.
Add some soil to support the roots, then add more soil, firming it over the roots. When the hole is half full, fill it with water. Let it soak in, then fill in the rest of the soil, then water well.
Once the rose is in place, add a layer of mulch, such as bark chips. Prune off any damaged or crossing canes, and you're done.
Planting Container Roses
When planting container-grown roses, dig a hole at least 18 inches deep and wide. You will not need to build the soil cone at the bottom of the hole. Check the plant for damaged canes and prune them. Make sure the soil ball is moist throughout; if it isn't, soak it for a few hours. Then gently tip the plant from the pot, trying not to disturb the roots. Set the plant inside the prepared hole and check the level of the plant. Remember, you want the bud union ab out an inch below ground level. Adjust the soil in the hole if necessary. Fill in with soil and tamp it down with your hands as you fill the hole so the roots are supported snugly in the new site. Water once when the hole is half filled, and again when you are done planting. Once the plant is in place, mulch the area around the plant.