Roses are an easy-to-grow shrub that can be grown in a variety of settings. In addition, they do well with annual pruning to maintain their shape and size.

Whether planting bare root or container-grown roses, prepare the soil before digging. That means mixing in compost, even if your soil has clay or sand in it.

Prepare the Soil

Roses need a well-draining soil that does not hold too much water. This is essential to prevent root rot, which can result in the death of the plant.

It is also important that the pH of the rose soil is kept at an optimum level, between 6.5 and 7. Add ground agricultural limestone to help maintain this ideal level.

Another option is to use a good potting mix for planting your rose bush. Most potting mixes contain a mixture of ingredients that are specifically designed to support the growth of your plant.

A potting mix can be bought in garden centers or developed by adding the proper ingredients. A mix of sand, peat moss, compost, and coir is often recommended to ensure that your soil is suitable for roses. It should also include a soil amendment such as bone meal, blood meal or NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium). For soil that is too alkaline, aluminum sulfate can be added to help change the pH quickly.

Dig the Hole

Roses need sun and well-drained soil that does not become completely dry. They also like rich organic materials, so if you have poor soil, add plenty of compost to it prior to planting.

Dig a hole that is twice as wide and two inches deeper than the length of the plant’s roots (if it’s bare root) or about a quarter of the way up its stems (if it’s in a container). Mix equal parts of Miracle-Gro(r) Garden Soil for Roses or Miracle-Gro(r) Garden Potting Soil with the soil removed from the hole, and fill in around the base of the roots.

Next, gently separate the root ball of the rose from the container and place it in your prepared hole at the new location. Water to settle the soil and then refill the hole with your mixture, tamping lightly. Continue to do this until the hole is filled and your rose has a good head start in its new home!

Place the Plant

Roses are staple plants in many gardens, and with the right care they will thrive for years. Planting a new rose bush is a great way to add color and fragrance to your landscape.

Select a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting your rose. It is best to avoid low-lying areas of the garden that may get waterlogged and damage the sensitive roots.

Whether you have a container-grown or bare root plant, mix a 50-50 mixture of soil and compost in the bottom of the hole. Backfill the hole halfway and firm it around the roots of the rose.

Place the rose in the center of the hole and set the bud union or crown where you want it to sit. If the rose has settled too low, grip it around the crown and gently pull it up.

Water

Roses need to be watered regularly, especially during the growing season. If they don’t get enough water, they will wilt, drop leaves or grow smaller leaves.

A deep soaking every few days is best. Lighter daily watering can encourage shallow root growth that will damage the plant and exacerbate drought conditions.

Use drip systems instead of sprinklers to provide the right amount of water for your plants. These emitters will deliver water directly to the roots of your roses, preventing surface-level watering that can damage the plants and encourage fungal diseases like black spot.

In addition to watering, give your rose bushes a little fertilizer. Fertilizers can help a rose bush develop more blooms and strengthen the roots. A slow-release fertilizer, such as Jobe’s Organic Fertilizer Spikes, supplies the correct balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to support healthy growth.