When to Plant Roses in Georgia

Roses are a beloved flower for Southern gardens, but getting them off to a good start requires planting them at the right time. Georgia’s climate can vary quite a bit from north to south, so timing is important to ensure your roses thrive. Follow this guide on when and how to plant roses in Georgia for success.

Why Timing Matters

Planting at the optimal time allows roses to root properly before heat or cold extremes occur. Roses form the strongest root systems in cool, moist soil conditions. Planting too early or late leads to stress, poor growth, and winter dieback. Time planting around these key factors:

• Soil temperature – Roses grow roots best when soils are between 40-60°F Avoid overly cold or warm soils

• Freezes – Plant after the average last spring freeze but before hot summer weather arrives

• Moisture – Plant when ample rain or irrigation is available to establish new transplants,

• Variety – Some roses are more cold or heat tolerant than others. Consider variety when choosing planting time.

Recommended Planting Dates

For most of Georgia, February through April offers the ideal window for planting roses. However, planting times vary by location:

• North Georgia – Mid March to mid April after danger of freezing

• Central Georgia – Early to mid March

• South Georgia – Late February to early March

• Coastal Georgia – Late February to mid March

If winters are very mild, roses can be planted as late as early May in South Georgia. Wait until daytime air temperatures are reliably 50-60°F before planting.

Steps for Planting Roses

Follow these tips when planting roses:

• Prepare beds by amending soil with compost and fertilizer 2-4 weeks before planting.

• Water transplants thoroughly before planting. Don’t let roots dry out.

• Dig holes 2-3 times as wide as the root ball but no deeper.

• Set the rose at the same level it was growing in the nursery pot.

• Backfill with native soil, tamping lightly to remove air pockets.

• Water deeply after planting and mulch around plants.

• Stake tall varieties to protect from wind damage until established.

Caring for Newly Planted Roses

Give roses attentive care right after planting:

• Water 1-2 times per week during the first summer if rainfall is lacking.

• Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly the first season.

• Monitor for pests like Japanese beetles and treat promptly.

• Prune lightly in summer to shape. Wait to do major pruning until the second year.

• Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Check soil moisture levels regularly and water during winter dry spells.

The Best Rose Varieties for Georgia Gardens

Choose from these roses that grow well throughout Georgia:

Hybrid Teas

• Mister Lincoln – Very fragrant, large red flowers

• Peace – Pale yellow blooms with pink edges

• Veterans’ Honor – Bright red blooms, disease resistant

Floribundas

• Iceberg – Prolific white flowers, light tea rose scent

• Julia Child – Buttery yellow, licorice fragrance

• Violet’s Pride – Lavender-purple color, slight fragrance

Shrub Roses

• Knock Out – Bright cherry red, completely low maintenance

• Drift Roses – Groundcover types, various colors, reblooming

• Oso Easy Roses – Disease resistant landscape shrubs

Old Garden Roses

• Souvenir de la Malmaison – Lovely white blooms with Damask fragrance

• Madame Hardy – White with blush center, repeat bloomer

• Cramoisi Superieur – Rich, crimson red color, old rose scent

Climbers

• Don Juan – Prolific clusters of dark red flowers

• New Dawn – Silvery pink, reblooms constantly

• Zephirine Drouhin – Bright pink, thornless stems

By planting your rose bushes at the optimal time for your part of Georgia, you can get them established in your landscape for health, beauty and abundant blooms. Pay close attention to soil temperature, moisture levels, and avoiding late frosts when determining the best planting window. With a bit of planning and proper care after planting, your roses will thrive through summer and beyond.