When is the best time to plant roses? A lot of people think that roses should be planted in April and May when they are already in bloom, but contrary to that belief, February and March are an excellent time to get those roses in the ground. Nurseries often get their stock of roses in January and February, so now is the time to pick up your favorites.

Why plant roses in January and February?
If you wait to plant roses in April and May when they are already in bloom, you will get that instant burst of color, but your roses will suffer. When you plant your rose bushes early, they will have a chance to produce roots in the soil and be settled by the time that they begin to bloom. A bush that is already in bloom will struggle to produce a fair amount of growth, because it’s harder for the plant to adapt to its new surroundings.

If you plant your roses in January and February, they will be able to establish their roots while the weather is still mild and can strengthen themselves to withstand the summer heat. If you plant them in April and May, they will be thrown into that summer heat before they are adequately prepared.

How to prepare for planting roses
It’s important to prepare the area before you plant your roses. You will want to remove any unwanted vegetation and then turn the soil at least 8 to 10 inches deep. Your next step would be to add 4 inches of compost, manure, or other organic matter. After you’ve added the compost, you will want to add a fertilizer to the bed. If you’re not sure what else to add to the soil, test your soil, and if you need to add anything else you can add them in and then rake the soil smooth.

If you’re planting bareroot roses, remove the wrapper and put the roots in water. Your hole should be as deep and wide as the root system. Place a small amount of soil in the center of the hole and then spread the roots around that pile. You will want the graft union to be 2 inches higher than the soil’s bed. Once you get the roots in place cover them firmly with soil, retaining that graft union, and then water the plant thoroughly.

Where to plant your roses
Once you decide on the variety of roses that you’d like to plant, you will need to determine the growing conditions needed. Roses need six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day. You would want to avoid planting them somewhere that is too shady, and if there will be shade it should be in the afternoon. Your roses will thrive in an area that has excellent drainage.

Don’t forget to prune
Roses are low maintenance, but still need some maintenance. It’s important to have your roses pruned according to its own specific pruning needs. You’ll want to take note of the timing needed, and use pruning to shape the plant and encourage growth. Pruning also helps to remove damaged and diseased wood and increase circulation.

When looking for the perfect roses for your landscape, we are happy to help you with all your gardening questions and needs. Stop on by and let us help!