Roses are excellent plants for growing in pots. English Roses, with their shrubby, bushy habit are ideal for growing in large pots and containers. Unlike many other potted plants, English Roses will flower in fragrant flushes throughout the summer and into the autumn.

video tutorials for planting a rose in a pot or container

Watch the video on

How to plant a potted rose in a pot or container 

Watch the video on

How to plant a bare root rose in a pot or a container


how to choose a pot

We recommend following these guidelines:

  • We recommend using a pot with a minimum internal dimension of 45 x 45cm (roughly 60 litres) to allow for an adequate depth of rich soil
  • Larger roses will need larger pots
  • Ensure the pot you choose has adequate drainage holes

WHEN TO PLANT Potted ROSES

Potted roses can be planted all year round. The only time we recommend that you don't plant is when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or in drought conditions.


WHEN TO PLANT bare root ROSES

Bare root roses can be planted any time between November and April. The only time we recommend that you don't plant is when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or in drought conditions.


YOU WILL NEED

GARDENING GLOVES          COMPOST SCOOP       SMALL BLOCKS OF POLYSTYRENE or GRAVEL(for drainage)        LARGE POT         
A MIX OF WELL-ROTTED FARMYARD MANURE & GOOD QUALITY MULTI-PURPOSE COMPOST


How TO plant a rose in a pot

Step 1: Prepare your pot for planting

Start by placing blocks of polystyrene or gravel at the bottom of your pot; these will help the rose to drain adequately throughout the season. Next, begin to fill your pot with a mix of well-rotted farmyard manure and multi-purpose compost. As you fill the pot it’s important to use your hand to lightly press the compost so that you don’t get any air pockets. Carry on filling your pot until it is approximately halfway full.

Step 2: Position your rose in the pot

At this point it is important to check that your rose will fit nicely into the pot. Place your potted rose into the pot and note the difference in height between the rim of the pot and the union of your rose. Ideally, we’d like to see the union sitting a couple of inches below the rim of the pot.

Step 3: Fill-in around your rose with compost

Next, remove the rose from its container, ensuring you are wearing gardening gloves. We recommend tapping the sides of the pot which should ease the rose gently out, leaving the root structure undisturbed. Place your rose into the centre of the pot and continue to fill with your compost mix, firming the soil as you go. 

Step 4: Water your rose

Finally, give your newly planted rose a thorough watering, allowing moisture to penetrate the soil and roots.

WATERING: Roses in pots will require more frequent watering than roses planted in the ground.



you may also like

How to plant a potted shrub rose

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

How to deadhead roses

There are two stages to deadheading. The first is mainly aesthetic, removing the brown finished blooms so you can enjoy the remaining flowers without interruption. The second stage encourages new blooms and helps to maintain a compact shape.

how to plant a bare root shrub rose

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

pruning an English shrub rose

The instructions in this article cover the pruning of English Shrub Roses, as well as other repeat flowering shrub roses.