Is It Too Late to Plant Roses?
As an avid gardener and rose enthusiast, I’m often asked if it’s too late in the season to plant rose bushes. There’s no definitive cut-off date for planting roses – with the right care and conditions, they can be planted successfully throughout much of the year. In this article, I’ll share tips on the best times to plant roses for a healthy, gorgeous rose garden.
Spring is an ideal time to plant roses in most climates. Bare root roses should be planted in early spring while they are still dormant. Potted roses can be planted anytime during spring after the last frost date. Planting in spring allows the rose bush several months to establish a strong root system before cold weather returns in fall. It also enables them to take advantage of the warmer, wetter conditions conducive to growth. Spring rains will help reduce the need for frequent watering of newly planted roses. Just be sure to plant them no later than 6-8 weeks before your first expected fall frost so they have time to settle in.
Early fall can also be a good time for planting roses in many areas. Plant potted roses at least 6 weeks before your average first frost date. This gives them a chance to acclimate and root in before going dormant for winter. Proper fall planting of roses results in less transplant shock and dieback than spring planting. However, roses planted in fall won’t put out as much new growth right away compared to spring plantings. Be sure to provide extra protection and mulching over their first winter.
Planting roses in summer is often avoided due to heat stress. But with proper care – watering, mulching, and temporary shading – summer planting can be successful. Opt for container-grown roses if planting during the heat of summer. Prioritize keeping their roots cool and moist. Morning sun is preferable to hot afternoon sun. Plant them in amended, well-drained soil to encourage establishment. Deep watering and regular moisture is key. Mulch around newly planted roses. Consider providing temporary shade covers. Late summer into early fall offers cooler temperatures and rains ideal for planting.
While you can technically plant roses during winter dormancy, it is not advisable. The frozen ground makes digging difficult at best. Rather than struggling with impenetrable soil, it’s best to wait until early spring when the soil thaws and planting is much easier on you and the roses. The repeated cycles of soil freezing and thawing over winter can heave and damage rose bush roots.
Factors like your USDA Hardiness Zone, climate, weather extremes, soil conditions, and rose type should be taken into account when deciding when to plant. Miniature rose varieties are most tolerant of varied planting times Larger rose bushes may need more lead time to become established before cold weather Repeat blooming roses are ideal for extending the season of color. Old garden roses may require earlier fall planting. Talk to local rosarians about optimal timing for your specific region and variety.
Here are some additional tips for successfully planting roses in your garden:
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Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of direct sun daily andgood air circulation.
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Improve drainage and prepare soil by amending with compost.
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Dig a hole larger than the rose’s root ball and prune any damaged roots.
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Plant bud union just above soil level and backfill with native soil.
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Water thoroughly until established. 1-2 inches per week is ideal.
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Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around plants to retain moisture and discourage weeds.
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Fertilize lightly 3-4 weeks after planting and regularly thereafter.
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Provide temporary shade covers if planting during heat of summer.
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Wrap or mound soil around base of plant for winter protection.
With the right conditions and proper care, roses can be planted with success throughout much of the growing season – even if it seems late. The keys are choosing healthy plants, prepping the site, taking steps to reduce transplant shock, and providing extra TLC as the roses establish roots in their new home. So don’t hesitate to plant roses this year. With a bit of planning and patience, you can extend the rose gardening season and enjoy beautiful blossoms sooner.
Is it too late to plant roses? Should I not cut back my Brown Eyed Susans to leave the seeds for the birds?
Is it too late to plant roses?
Should I not cut back my Brown Eyed Susans to leave the seeds for the birds?
Answer:Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant
We suggest planting roses early in the year instead of late so they have the best chance to take root. Some varieties can be planted in the fall if they are well protected, but I would hate for you to waste money on an expensive planting that doesn’t take root. For information on how to start a rose garden, please see this answer from our Ask the Experts page (Note: I think the link to Dr. Perry’s article is broken, but you can also find it here).
As far as the brown-eyed susans go, I would say it’s really up to you. Birds will eat the seeds as long as the plants aren’t buried in snow, and many gardeners think the seedheads make the garden look nicer in the winter. Others find them unattractive. Just be aware that leaving them most likely means a good bit of self-seeding in the spring. This can be helpful if you like the idea of new patches growing up near where your plants were this year. For example, I planted some ten years ago, and they come back in about the same place every year, though maybe 8 to 12 inches farther away than they were the year before! If you don’t want the area to get out of hand or the plants to be in the right place, you’ll have to do more weeding when the uneaten seeds sprout.
When Is The Best Time to Plant Roses?
FAQ
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