Growing roses

From Gardening Wiki

A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Guide to Growing Roses.

When Do I Plant Roses

Q. What is the best time to plant Roses during the year? I have been advised that various times are the best, so I am confused when to plant them!

A. The best time is during the last week in October and the first two weeks in November. If, however, the ground is very wet the Roses should not be planted but laid in a shallow trench, the roots being well covered with soil. This is commonly spoken of as "laying in" or "heeling in." In such circumstances the Roses are planted when the soil is dry enough to be dug without sticking together in big lumps. Roses may be planted from the end of October until the end of March, or in northern counties until the middle of April. It is better to plant later in ground that is in suitable condition than to plant early in ground that is saturated. If Roses in pots are bought they may be planted at any time up to June, for there is no need to disturb the roots to any appreciable extent. They are, however, more expensive than Roses lifted from the open ground.

How Do I Plant Roses

Q. How shall I proceed to plant Roses? Is it necessary to use manure at planting time ?

A. The chief thing to do is to dig the ground at least 2 feet deep. Roses are not successful in badly tilled ground. Well rotted farmyard manure is the best stuff to dig in the Rose beds before planting, and it should be mixed in the lower 12 inches, so as not to be in direct contact with the roots at first. If this cannot be had, basic slag, applied at the rate of 8 oz. per square yard, may be used. It is best to prepare the ground two or three weeks before the Roses are put in, so that it may settle down to its normal level. Put in the Roses so that the junction of stock and scion is covered with 1 inch of soil.

It is most important (a) to cut off all bruised and broken ends, (I) to spread out the roots to their full extent, (c) to work the soil well amongst them, and (d) to make the soil quite firm by treading. Do not put all the soil in and then make firm, but tread down each spadeful as it is put in. The uppermost roots of standard and climbing Roses should be about 2 inches below the surface ; the stake is put in before the soil. It is of great importance to make standards firm and to secure them to a stake or other support. Otherwise they get blown about and loosened.

How Do I Replant Roses

Q. I am desirous of replanting some Rose trees in a fresh position this year. The trees have borne a very good supply of blooms and appear to be strong. When would be the best time to undertake this ? and should the trees be pruned before or after they have been transplanted ?

A. The best time to undertake the work of replanting your Roses would be in the latter part of October or early November. As you dig up the trees, cut back the roots a few inches with a sharp knife, and look well for suckers of the wild stock on which they are budded. If any are seen, cut them off at the point of origin. The growths should be cut back to about 15 or 18 inches from the base. Dip the roots at once in some thin mud, and cover them with soil in a shady place until you are prepared to replant. Choose fine weather for the replanting. The plants will take no harm heeled in for a week or two provided the soil is well trodden about their roots.

Planting Sweet Briar for Hedge

Q. Will you advise me as to the distance apart at which I should plant Sweet Briar Roses to form a hedge? Also whether the Penzance Briars are as sweet smelling as the Common Sweet Briar ?

A . If you are planting a single row, a distance of about 2 feet should be allowed between the plants of common Sweet Briars, and 2' feet for Penzance Briars. If a wide hedge is desired then plant a double row thus . . , the plants 18 inches apart. The Penzance Priars are very sweet in foliage, but not quite equal to the common Sweet Briar, They are, however, most lovely when, in bloom,

Neglected roses

Rambler roses