How to Plant Pot Grown Roses

Roses are a beautiful addition to any garden, and pot grown roses make it easy to grow these lovely flowers in small spaces or even indoors. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to plant pot grown roses:

Choosing a Pot and Location

The first step in planting pot grown roses is to choose the right pot and location. The pot should be large enough to hold the plant comfortably and have adequate drainage holes. Make sure the location you choose receives enough sunlight and is sheltered from strong winds.

Preparing the Pot

Before planting your rose, make sure the pot is clean by washing it with warm water and mild soap. If you're reusing a pot, sterilize it with a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water. Fill the bottom of the pot with rocks or broken pottery for drainage, and then add potting soil, filling the pot about two-thirds of the way full.

Planting the Rose

Remove the rose from its original pot, being careful not to damage the roots. Trim any damaged roots or stems with clean, sharp scissors. Place the plant in the prepared pot and add more soil to fill the pot to within an inch of the top. Press the soil firmly around the base of the rose to secure it in place.

Watering and Fertilizing

After planting, water the rose deeply, saturating the soil. Make sure the soil remains moist, but not waterlogged. If the pot is in direct sunlight, you may need to water it more frequently. Apply a slow-release fertilizer every six weeks to nourish the plant throughout the growing season.

Pruning and Deadheading

To keep your pot grown rose looking its best, you'll need to prune it regularly. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased stems, and prune back any long stems by about a third. Deadheading – removing spent flowers – will also help your rose produce new blooms throughout the growing season.

Overwintering

If you live in an area with harsh winters, you'll need to take steps to protect your pot grown rose. Move the pot to a sheltered location, such as a garage or covered porch, and cover the plant with burlap or a frost blanket. Water the plant sparingly throughout the winter, making sure the soil doesn't dry out completely.

With these simple steps, you can easily plant and care for your own pot grown roses. These lovely fragrant flowers will add beauty and charm to your home and garden throughout the growing season.