Help your roses to thrive

Simple rose care advice and information to help you grow roses, whether you are new to rose growing, or a seasoned gardener; we have all of the information you need to get your roses planted and thriving.


How to Plant Roses

Here we have links to articles with videos and step by step guides to planting different types of roses in both bare root and potted form, depending on the season. Bare Root Roses can be planted from November to April whereas Potted Roses can be planted all year round; our largest selection of potted roses is available from May until September, weather dependent. We recommend that you don't plant roses when the ground is frozen, water-logged or during a drought.

Where to plant roses

1. Ensure plenty of sunlight

Roses thrive on direct sunlight. For best results, a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight is recommended. However, even when planted against a north wall roses can still perform well as long as they are in an otherwise light and airy aspect. To see a list of roses suitable for shaded areas click here.

2. Avoid intense competition from other plants

The closer you plant your rose to other plants, the more competition there is for moisture and sunlight. For best results, plant your rose 1m away from other plants and 60cm from other roses. Avoid planting a rose under an overhanging tree branch.

3. Avoid very exposed, windy sites

Strong winds can cause the base of the rose to loosen in the soil. This will result in your rose rocking in the wind which will lead to it growing at an angle, which in extreme cases will kill it. To prevent this, ensure you follow our planting instructions. If you find this problem with a rose you already have, make sure you firm the soil around it. In some cases a stake may be necessary.

Watering Roses

When the warm weather arrives it is important to keep your roses well hydrated. The amount of water required and frequency of watering will depend on the specific weather conditions and soil type. 

how much water?

As a guide, we recommend watering the following amount per rose each time you water:

  • Shrub roses – 5 litres
  • Climbing roses – 10 litres
  • Rambling roses – 10 litres
  • Standard tree roses – 10 litres
  • Roses in pots – 5 litres

Please note: this is a guide only. Roses planted in countries with hotter climates may need more water. If your flowers are wilting then your rose requires more water. 

WHEN TO WATER ROSES

The need for watering varies greatly throughout the year and is directly related to the amount of rain that has fallen. Where possible, we recommend watering in the evening, at the base of the rose, so that the plant has time to take up the water through the night.

October - February

You are unlikely to need to water - but this will depend on the rainfall in your location. If weather in your location has been warm then follow advice for March-May.

March - May

Watch out for particularly prolonged dry spells of two weeks or more, especially if the weather is hot.

Established roses – water every 2-3 days.

Newly planted or roses planted in pots – water every day.

June - September

As your rose starts blooming, take note if your flowers are wilting. This will happen in extreme heat but is a reliable sign that your roses need more water.

Established roses – water every 2-3 days.

Newly planted and roses planted in pots – water every day.

FEEDING ROSES

All roses appreciate being fed, particularly our repeat-flowering English Roses. If you wish to get the most out of your roses we recommend feeding in late March/early April, just before the leaves are fully open.

WATCH OUR VIDEO ON HOW TO FEED A ROSE

Pruning Roses


mulching roses

We recommend mulching as it helps to retain moisture and suppresses weeds.

When to mulch

For the best results, mulch in early spring from March onwards If by autumn the layer of mulch has disappeared, a second application may be beneficial before winter..

What you need

We recommend using a best quality organic soil improver as your mulch material or well rotted farmyard manure (at least 2 years old - anything less than this may burn the roots of the rose)

How to mulch

Remove weeds and apply about a 3cm thick layer of mulch material around the base of the rose and any bare soil next to your rose. If you are mulching when the soil is dry, water well either before or after mulching.


Pests & diseases

Spraying roses is sometimes necessary to control pests and prevent disease. We recommend that roses are treated with a best quality pesticide/plant invigorator that is naturally effective against pests; and a fungicide effective against black spot, powdery mildew and rust. Spray roses as soon as signs of pests or diseases are seen to prevent  damage. Greenfly and caterpillars can be removed by hand in the earliest stages. Always read the specific instructions given on the packaging for best results.


deadheading roses

Why deadhead?

There are two good reasons to dead head: 1. To encourage repeat-flowering – this stops your rose producing seeds in the hips, which are formed after flowering, so that it has more energy for repeat-flowering. 2. Shaping – it is an opportunity to shape your shrub.

When to deadhead?

This should be done as soon after each flowering as possible up to late September. After September it is unlikely that you will get much more growth or flowering, as your plant will be getting ready for winter.

How to deadhead

Each flowering stem can be cut back as far as three sets of leaves. The amount you cut back controls, to some extent, the shape and size of your plant. If you are unsure, cut back to the point where the flowers stop being produced on the stem.

view our article on deadheading roses