Ideal Soil for Roses

Soil Type

• Assess your soil texture and type carefully, as the wrong type of soil can affect the growing ability of roses. Soil that is too sandy won’t hold water sufficiently, while soil with a high level of clay holds too much water. Both of these soil types are detrimental for roses. The ideal soil for roses is sandy loam or silt, as this provides adequate drainage, ensuring essential nutrients are maintained.

Soil Testing

• Testing the soil to determine the pH level, or whether it has too much acid or alkaline in it, is a good way of determining if your soil is likely to be suitable for growing roses. Soil testing can be carried out before you plant roses, or every couple of years to check if it's still adequate. The pH level runs on a scale from 0 to 14, with pH 7 being neutral. The ideal pH level of soil for growing roses is 6.0 to 6.5.

Improving Soil

• The quality of soil and its pH level can be improved by adding various nutrients. For soil where the pH is currently too low or has too much acid in it, add limestone. Follow the quantity instructions on the packaging and add the limestone to the top of the soil, gently watering it in. For soil where the pH level is too high, or has too much alkaline in it, use the same method to add sulfur to the soil.

Mulching

• Add about 2 inches (5cm) of well-rotten garden compost or manure onto the surface of the soil and around the base of the roses. This will help to retain moisture, add extra enrichment to the soil and provide the ideal growing conditions for the roses. Aim to renew and replace the top soil and remaining mulch every two years, as this will ensure that the perfect soil conditions are maintained.