It’s rose planting time!

Greek poets praised roses with their sweet perfume and profuse blooms as “perfume of the gods” and “queen of flowers

It’s rose planting time!

It’s that time of year when the online garden catalogues are full of beautiful blooms and we are tempted to reproduce the vision in our springtime gardens. But to realise the dream we need to observe a few key steps to ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

So here are some tips:

  1. Selecting and preparing the site:
    Choose a sunny location with well-
    draining soil for your rose bushes. They need
    at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
    Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter; you
    can improve it by mixing in compost or well-
    rotted manure.
  2. Preparing the rose:
    Before planting, soak the bare-rooted
    rose in water for several hours or overnight.
    This rehydrates the roots and helps reduce
    transplant shock. Inspect the roots for any
    damage or disease, and trim away any that
    appear unhealthy.
  3. Digging the hole:
    Dig a hole that is about twice as wide
    and as deep as the root ball of the rose. This
    allows for ample room for the roots to spread
    out and establish themselves. Loosen the soil
    at the bottom of the hole to encourage root
    growth.
  4. Planting the rose:
    Place the rose in the center of the hole,
    ensuring that the graft union (the swollen
    area where the rose variety is grafted onto
    the rootstock) is level with the soil surface. If
    the graft union is buried too deep, it can lead
    to rot and poor growth. Spread the roots out
    evenly in the hole.
  5. Backfilling and watering:
    Backfill the hole with a mixture of native
    soil and compost. Gently tamp down the soil
    to remove air pockets and provide good soil-
    to-root contact. Water thoroughly to settle
    the soil and ensure that the roots are well-
    hydrated.
  6. Mulching and care:
    Apply a layer of mulch around the base of
    the rose to retain moisture, suppress weeds,
    and regulate soil temperature. Keep the area
    around the plant free from weeds and provide
    regular watering, especially during dry
    periods.
    By following these steps, you’ll help
    your bare-rooted roses establish strong roots
    and flourish in their new environment. And
    hopefully you will be enjoying the fragrance
    and colour of your ‘queen of flowers’ in the
    month to come.

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