By following these simple steps, you will ensure your bare root shrub rose gets off to the best possible start.

WHere to plant a bare root shrub rose

We recommend following these guidelines:

  • Make sure the rose has some sun, ideally at least 4 hours of sunlight a day.
  • Generally, the more sun the better. However in the hottest areas, shade from the afternoon sun can be beneficial.
  • Ensure the rose has enough space, so that the roots do not suffer from intense competition from neighbouring plants, including trees and hedges.

Roses are incredibly versatile plants and can be planted in an array of different positions.


WHEN TO PLANT BARE ROOT ROSES

Bare root roses are best planted between October and April, during bare root season. This gives them time to establish ready to bloom come summer. The only time we recommend that you don't plant is when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or in drought conditions.


YOU WILL NEED

SPADE      FORK     LARGE BUCKET OF WATER      WATERING CAN     WELL ROTTED MANURE     DAVID AUSTIN'S MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI         


How TO plant a BARE ROOT shub rose

Step 1: Rehydrate your rose

Rehydrate your rose in a bucket of water for a minimum of 2 hours prior to planting.

Step 2: Prepare the soil

Dig over the soil thoroughly, using the garden fork and remove any weeds or large stones. This will ensure that the new roots can venture freely into their new environment. Roses will grow in all soil types.

Step 3: Dig the hole

Dig a hole big enough for the rose's roots, approximately 40 cm by 40 cm, using a spade.

Step 4: Break the soil at the base of your hole

Break up the soil at the base of the hole with a fork, and mix a spadeful of well-rotted manure in with the soil at the bottom of the hole. Also, mix two spadefuls of the manure with the soil removed from the hole.

Step 5: Apply David Austin's Mycorrhizal Fungi

Remove the bare root rose from the bucket of water and whilst holding the rose over the planting hole, sprinkle the roots with Mycorrhizal Fungi.

Step 6: Position the rose in the hole

Position the rose in the centre of the hole. The bottom of the stems should be 5 cm below the top of the hole - use a bamboo cane to help.

Step 7: Backfill and firm-in

Backfill around the roots of the rose, using the soil that was originally dug to make the hole. Then, lightly firm the soil around the rose with your foot.

Step 8: Water

Water the rose well. 

See more detailed watering advice.



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