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A cone of soil will support the roots of a newly planted rose.
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If you want to grow roses, the first thing you need to know is how to plant one properly. Here's how to plant a bare-root rose: - Dig a hole 18" deep and at least as wide or wider (test by holding the rose in the hole with the bud union, or graft, at the desired depth: the roots should not be forced into the space). The bud union is the gnarled bump where the main stem joins the root stock. If you live in a cold climate, you'll want to plant the bud union one or more inches below the level of the soil for greater insulation from cold. Gardeners in mild climates prefer to keep the bud union an inch or so above the soil level or just at the soil surface.
- Adjust the hole if necessary.
- Add a quart of peat moss or compost to the soil you removed from the planting hole.
- Work the bottom and sides of the hole.
- Form a mound from the prepared soil mix in the bottom of the hole.
- Position the rose so that the roots fan out over the mound of soil and the bud union is at the proper depth. Add more soil to the mound if necessary.
- Put some soil mixture in the hole and work it around the roots with your hands to eliminate any air pockets.
- Firm the soil around the roots, and add more soil until the hole is three-quarters full.
- Fill the hole with water, and allow it to soak in, then refill with more water. Top off with the remaining soil.
- Trim the canes (stems) back to 8", making 45-degree angle cuts about 1/4" above an outward-facing bud.
- Create a 6" soil mound over the plant to protect the canes from drying out. You can remove the mound after the bush has begun to grow or leave it in place -- it will erode eventually with regular watering. Add a layer of mulch over the soil to prevent weeds from growing and preserve soil moisture.
The best time to plant-bare root roses is in early spring -- or, in mild climates, late winter. To encourage deep and healthy root growth, provide a deep, loose soil that's rich in organic matter. Deep-rooted roses will be more drought-tolerant. Planting a container-grown rose is even easier. Just dig a generous hole in good garden soil, remove the rose from the pot, place the rose in the hole, making sure the bud union is at the proper depth (see step 1, above), fill in with good soil, and water deeply. Mulch to discourage weeds and maintain soil moisture. Fertilize with a commercial rose fertilizer or fish emulsion. Many rosarians supplement their fertilization program with Epsom salts. Try 1 tablespoon per gallon of water for each bush.
RESOURCES :
For the book A Year of Roses
The American Rose Society
The American Rose Society provides information on rose care, varieties and judging and contacts for local rose societies.
PO Box 30,000
Shreveport, LA 71130-0030
Phone: 318-938-5402
Fax 318-938-5405
E-mail: ars@ars-hg.org
Web site: www.ars.org
For the book Burpee Basics: Roses
Macmillan / Alpha Books
Website: www.macmillan.com
Taylor's Guide to Roses
Model: 0395404509
Author: Steve Schneider
1995
Houghton Mifflin Co.
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-351-5000
Email: tradecustomerservice@hmco.com
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