How to Plant Roses in The Spring

Site selection: Roses require at least six hours of sun a day however full sun is preferable. An eastern location that receives full morning sun is ideal. Choose a location which is not shaded by trees or buildings. Do not plant roses near shrubs or trees that will compete for nutrients and moisture. Make sure site is open to allow for air movement.

Preparing soil: Roses do best in a well drained loamy soil with a PH of 5.5 to 7.0 Dig a hole 15" deep and 18" wide. Add 3 oz. of superphosphate (Sold at Home Depot) 2 shovel of organic material, compost, manure etc. and 1/2 cup bone meal to the soil removed from the hole. This becomes your back fill.

I like to place my rose plants in a bucket of water and allow the roots to soak for several hours before planting. In the center of the hole make a small mound. Then place plant on mound spreading the roots over the mound. Fill with your back fill about 3/4 of the way to surface, then water and fill the rest of the way. Roses can be mulched at this time if desired.

Roses require an inch of rain weekly. If rain fall is insufficient apply water, soaking to a depth of 12" to encourage deep rooting. Do not over head sprinkle, it will encourage disease, water at soil level.