Methods for successfully cultivating beautiful roses
Melissa King, a renowned horticulturist and presenter on Better Homes and Gardens, has developed a beautiful yellow rose dedicated to her late mother at the Victoria State Rose Garden. For those looking to grow roses at home, King provides valuable insights on how to cultivate the best rose.
Roses are known for their ability to represent love and desire in the art of floriography, and they add colour, beauty, and romance to any garden. However, to ensure your roses thrive, it's essential to understand the best method for preparing soil, planting, and caring for both potted and bare-root roses.
Soil Preparation -----------------
For both potted and bare-root roses, the soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter to retain moisture and provide nutrients. Work plenty of well-rotted manure, leaf mold, or garden compost into the top 30 cm of soil several weeks in advance to improve soil structure and fertility. Adding bonemeal around the root area can also encourage root establishment and healthy growth. For container roses, use a 50/50 mix of John Innes No. 3 and multipurpose compost.
Planting Bare-Root Roses ------------------------
Keep bare-root roses cool until ready to plant. Hydrate roots by soaking them in cool tap water for 4-6 hours before planting (minimum 2 hours also suggested), but no more than 24 hours to prevent damage. Dig a hole about twice the size of the root system to allow roots space to spread. Position the plant so that the topmost root is covered with about 1-2 inches of soil. Back-fill the hole with amended soil, tamp down firmly around roots to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly, then add 4-6 inches of mulch such as shredded bark, keeping it a few inches away from the plant base to prevent rot and pests.
Planting Potted Roses ---------------------
When potting or transplanting roses from containers to the garden, ensure the soil is similarly well-prepared with organic matter. Carefully remove the rose from its pot and loosen the root ball gently. Plant in a hole large enough to accommodate the roots without crowding. Water well after planting and mulch similarly as with bare-root roses.
Ongoing Care for Both Types ---------------------------
Monitor soil moisture regularly; roses need consistent watering, especially in dry periods, but avoid waterlogging. Fertilize roses according to the season and growth stage (light fertilization at planting time; avoid fertilizing bare-root roses planted in fall). Prune to encourage healthy growth and flowering; climbing roses may require training and tying in with support wires 60 cm from the ground, spaced every 30-45 cm up to the mature height. Ensure roses receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering.
By following these steps—rich, well-drained soil, careful hydration and planting of roots, adequate watering, mulching, and proper pruning—you will set your roses up for vigorous growth and abundant blooming, whether potted or bare-root.
Victoria has a selection of roses available year-round for planting, with Knock Out roses recommended for their long-flowering and disease-resistant qualities. Groundcover or landscape roses like the flower carpet rose are suggested for those looking for low-maintenance roses.
References:
[1] Royal Horticultural Society. (2020). Planting roses. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=458
[2] BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. (2019). How to plant a rose. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/gardenersworld/howto/plants/how-to-plant-a-rose
[3] The Spruce. (2020). How to Plant Roses. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-plant-roses-3691158
[4] Gardening Know How. (2020). How to Plant Roses. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/roses/how-to-plant-roses.htm
[5] Better Homes and Gardens. (2020). How to Prune Roses. Retrieved from https://www.bhg.com/gardening/roses/care/how-to-prune-roses/
Gardening roses at home can bring color, beauty, and romance to any home-and-garden, similar to the lifestyle Melissa King has embodied through her work on Better Homes and Gardens. For potted and bare-root roses, the soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter to ensure their thriving, and regular watering, fertilization, pruning, and proper sunlight are essential for ongoing care.
