The rose is the classic symbol of beauty and romance, and many gardeners jump for joy if they have the opportunity to beautify their gardens with rose bushes. Some roses are larger and, as a result, require more space to grow than others. However, almost any rose species can be grown in a container, which is especially good news for gardeners with limited garden space.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: The Container
Step 1. Choose an appropriately sized container
Miniature roses thrive in a 30.5cm container, while floribunda and hybrid tea roses need 38cm. Larger hybrids and tree roses need to stay in containers of 45.7cm or larger.
Step 2. Get a lightweight container if you plan on moving your rose
A plastic container will probably be the easiest to move. Choose a light color, because dark colors heat up faster and dry out the soil.
Step 3. Use a plastic shirt with a clay pot
On the hottest days, the soil heats up quickly inside an earthenware container. A plastic liner acts as a barrier between the pot and the soil, keeping it cooler.
Step 4. Choose a pot that provides good drainage
Clay and plastic pots with holes in the bottom provide better drainage than containers without holes.
Step 5. Exclude the saucer if you keep the roses outdoors
The saucers under the container retain excess water under the roots. This excess water could cause the roots to rot.
Method 2 of 5: The Plant
Step 1. Choose from pre-potted roses and bare root roses
The former are often easier to work with, especially in hot climates which do not allow the rose to reach a completely dormant state.
Method 3 of 5: The Ground
Step 1. Choose a growing medium specially mixed for roses
Many garden stores sell specialty mixes, and you can be more successful with a solution designed to encourage rose growth than with generic potting soil.
Step 2. Create your soil mix
- A simple blend includes a sterile growing medium, such as thin bark, mixed in equal parts with perlite to lighten the compost.
- Another common mix includes 40 percent potting soil mixed with 30 percent perlite and 30 percent sifted compost.
Method 4 of 5: Planting
Step 1. Place an approximately 2.5 cm layer of medium-sized bark shavings, or gravel, in the bottom of the container
The shavings or gravel should be larger than any holes in the bottom of the pot to prevent them from scattering. This layer provides the roses with additional drainage.
Step 2. Fill the container two-thirds full with the soil of your choice
Pile the potting soil into the pot without over-compressing it. This is because the rose needs room to breathe.
Step 3. Increase the nutrient level by mixing a cup of bone meal into the soil
Roses need a lot of nutrients, and bone meal can provide the fertility conditions roses need to produce many blooms.
Step 4. Place the rose in the ground
If you work with a bare root rose, spread out the roots satisfactorily. The roots of roses need ample space to spread horizontally.
Step 5. Fill the area around the rose with more soil
Gently press the soil around the stems. The surface of the soil must be in line with the point where the roots and the rose plant meet.
The container must be filled so that the soil almost reaches the top. If the rose is too deep inside the container, take it out and add more soil to the bottom of the pot
Step 6. Water until well saturated
While root rot poses a threat to roses, these flowers also need a lot of moist soil to survive.
Step 7. Provide a brace for larger roses and bushes
Choose a wood or metal stake that is proportionate to the expected size of the plant when it has grown into an adult. Plant the brace deep inside the pot, until it touches the bottom.
Step 8. Tie the rose to the brace with soft ties
Old nylons, green garden tape, and coated styrofoam thread are all fine.
Method 5 of 5: Heal
Step 1. Space the containers about 60 cm apart
This reduces the likelihood of spreading the fungal diseases of roses from plant to plant.
Step 2. Position the container so that it receives full sun
Roses need at least 7 hours of sunshine per day to thrive.
Step 3. Water the roses daily, preferably early in the morning
On very hot days, water the container twice a day - once in the morning and once again in the evening.
Step 4. Check the soil moisture before watering again
Stick a finger about 2.5cm into the soil. If the soil is dry at that depth, the rose needs water immediately.
Step 5. Mulch over the soil surface
A layer of about 2.5 cm of mulch, especially in the form of small bark chips, will keep the moisture in the container and prevent evaporation.
Step 6. Fertilize the roses for the first time in a month
A balanced liquid fertilizer can be used once every two weeks thereafter.
Step 7. Transplant the rose after two years
Roses deplete soil nutrients faster when grown in containers than when grown on the ground. Additionally, some roses outgrow their containers.
Step 8. Move the roses to a sheltered position when it is very cold
A shed, garage, or basement should work well.
Step 9. Offer the roses in the container a tablespoon of Epsom salts every spring
Sprinkle the salts around the base of the plant. These provide an extra dose of magnesium to stimulate foliage growth.
