Planting Rosebushes

Overview

Roses have been a garden favorite for longer than anyone can remember, with flowers that come in a wide range of styles and colors—something to fit any garden. Plant dormant, bare root roses in the early spring, before the other plants have started to leaf. Container roses are not dormant, and should not be planted until later in the spring when the danger of frost is past.

Step 1

Pick a spot where the rose bush will get full sun—at least six hours of sunshine a day. Leave room between the rosebushes. The plants need good air circulation and room to grow.

Step 2

Dig a hole large enough so the roots do not touch the sides.

Step 3

Mix peat moss or organic compost with the soil that was removed from the hole. If the soil is moist to the point where it is almost wet, add in sand until the wetness is gone.

Step 4

Remove any dead or damaged roots by using the hand pruner.

Step 5

Build a cone out of the soil and compost mixture in the middle of the hole. Place the rosebush over the cone with the roots straddling it.

Step 6

Check to make sure the crown of the bush is just below the ground level. Add or remove soil from the crown if necessary.

Step 7

Fill in the hole with the soil and compost mix. Pack it tightly around the bush. Fill the hole with water until it is completely soaked. Let the soil settle and give the plant another good soaking.

Step 8

Prune hybrid bush branches back to 6 to 8 inches long, and floribundas to 4 to 6 inches long.

Step 9

Spray the wounds with pruning paint to prevent insect infestations and diseases.

Step 10

Mound any remaining loose soil around the base of the plant.