Grow beautiful bush roses with these easy-to-follow planting tips!
Bush roses, also known as bedding roses, are upright bushes between 60 centimetres and 150 centimetres in height and are grafted onto a vigorous rootstock at ground level. The large-flowered or cluster-flowered bushes are ideal for creating showy beds of colour and fragrance. Here’s how to plant bush roses.
- Choose the right roses: Choose either large-flowered bushes or cluster-flowered bushes, but do not mix them for the best results.
- Find the right place: Roses love sunshine and need all the sun they can get, but not windy conditions. Provide shelter from trees, shrubs or hedges if the site is exposed.
- Plant at the right time: The best time to plant roses is November, but in areas of high rainfall and heavy soil, plant in March. Bare-root plants can be planted from October to March and container-grown plants can be planted at any time.
- Follow the proper planting method: Dig a hole twice the width and depth of the root system. Place the roots in the hole and spread them out. Refill the hole and press the soil down firmly.
- Water and fertilize: Water the newly planted bush roses with a sprinkler, ensuring they receive a thorough soaking. Feed roses once or twice a year, usually in spring and early summer, with a high-potassium fertilizer.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your bush roses thrive in the garden.
