Rose Growing Guide

Rosa

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Rich, well-drained soil with compost dug in. A slightly acidic pH of 6 to 6.5 is preferred.

Position

Full sun in most climates. Where summers are very hot, roses benefit from partial afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

Some northern-bred roses are hardy to -40F (-40C), but most popular cultivars can be badly injured by temperatures below -10F (-23C). Choose varieties that are known to grow well in your area.

Feeding

Fertilize in spring by spreading a 1-inch (2.5 cm) layer of composted manure over the root zones of the plants. Feed plants again in early summer, just after the first big flush of blooms. A final feeding in late summer is needed in warm climates where many roses rebloom heavily in the fall.

Spacing

Single Plants: 2' 11" (90cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 1' 11" (60cm) with 4' 11" (1.50m) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Plant bare-root roses in spring, just as the plants are emerging from dormancy. Container-grown plants can be set out until early summer. Mulch after planting to keep the soil moist, and to limit splashing of soil onto the leaves.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Disease-resistant shrub roses need no spraying and rebloom several times during the season. Trim back all roses after they bloom to reduce problems with disease. In some areas, a deep winter mulch is needed to protect grafts and dormant buds from winter injury.

Harvesting

Many roses produce fleshy berries, called rosehips, that make a nutritious and flavorful addition to teas. Harvest them for drying when they turn from green to orange or red.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Rose

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail