When to Plant Roses

A brief look at rose types and planting choices

Before deciding when to plant, it helps to know what type of rose you're working with. Bare-root roses are sold dormant and planted in cooler months, while container-grown roses can be planted almost any time of year. There are climbing, shrub, rambling, patio and hybrid tea roses, each with different growth habits and ideal placements. Matching the right type of rose to your space helps get the timing and care right from the start.

When should you plant roses

The best time to plant bare-root roses is from late autumn to early spring, ideally between November and March. This allows the roots to settle in while the plant is dormant, giving it a head start come spring. Container-grown roses offer more flexibility and can be planted at any time, as long as the soil isn't frozen or waterlogged. Avoid planting in extreme heat or drought, as this stresses the plant and hampers root development.

How to grow roses successfully

Roses are surprisingly resilient but thrive when given the right conditions. They prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Choose a spot with good air circulation to help prevent disease. Before planting, dig in compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. Roses don't like being waterlogged, so avoid low spots where water tends to sit. Regular feeding and deadheading will encourage more blooms and stronger growth throughout the season.

How to plant bare-root roses

Start by soaking bare-root roses in a bucket of water for at least an hour before planting. Dig a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the roots without crowding. Make a small mound of soil in the centre of the hole to support the base of the rose and spread the roots around it. The graft union—the swollen bump just above the roots—should sit at or just below soil level. Backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.

How to plant container-grown roses

If planting a rose from a pot, water it well before removing it. Gently loosen the roots if they're pot-bound. Dig a hole slightly larger than the rootball and mix compost into the soil. Place the rose in the hole at the same depth it was in the pot, then backfill and firm down. Water thoroughly to settle the soil. Container-grown roses can be planted during most of the year but need extra care during dry spells or extreme heat.

How to care for roses after planting

Water new roses regularly, especially during dry periods in their first growing season. Feed with a balanced rose fertiliser in early spring and again in midsummer if needed. Mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds and improve soil structure. Keep the area around the base clear of fallen leaves and debris to prevent fungal diseases. Pruning depends on the type of rose, but most benefit from an annual cut back in late winter or early spring.

When to expect your first blooms

Roses planted in autumn or early spring usually produce their first flowers by late spring or early summer. Bare-root roses may take a little longer to establish, but they often catch up by their second season. Container-grown roses that were well looked after at the nursery may bloom sooner, sometimes within weeks of planting.

Common issues when planting roses

Poor soil drainage, extreme weather and planting too deep or too shallow are common causes of failure. Roses are also prone to black spot, mildew and aphids, especially in crowded or shaded conditions. Water at the base to avoid wetting the leaves and keep an eye on early signs of disease. If replanting roses in the same spot, replace some of the old soil to avoid replant disease, which can stunt growth.