How to Plant a Container Rose

Step 1. Dig the hole

Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the container. Incorporate organic material such as manure, shredded leaves or peat moss (potting soil can also be used) into the existing soil making sure that the hole is still deep enough.

Step 2. Remove the rose from the container

If the soil in the container looks very dry, be sure to water it well before planting. Remove the rose from the container and prune any canes that are broken, injured or are thinner than a pencil. Be sure to loosen the roots if they are thick and root bound.

Step 3. Planting

Place the rose in the center of the hole making sure that the bud union (the knobby part of the stem base) is at the correct level. In zones 6-10, the bud union should be about 1" above the soil surface. In zones 5 and under, it's a good idea to bury the bud union 1" or so under the soil surface.

Step 4. Back Fill

Back fill hole with soil, firming into place, adding more soil as needed.

Step 5. Watering and Mulching

Water thoroughly around base of plant allowing it to soak in. Repeat as necessary.

Step 6. Check In

For the next couple weeks, check in and water plant as needed to ensure it stays healthy. Mulch around plant to help retain moisture and reduce weeds.

How to Plant a Bareroot Rose

Step 1: Use the right tools

For this job, you will need the following tools: a shovel, pruning sheers, and a wheelbarrow.

Step 2: Pick an appropriate spot to plant

Your rose bush will need at least 6 hours of sun each day, so choose a sunny spot to plant.

Step 3: Clean up plant

Because there may be some damage to your bareroot rose, clip off some twigs and some tops of the canes, as well as some end of roots to promote new growth.

Step 4: Dig a hole big enough for the plant

Dig a hole that is wide enough and deep enough for the roots of your bareroot rose.  Pile some dirt back into the hole to create a cone shape mound for the roots to rest on and spread the roots over this mound.

Step 5: Cover roots with soil

Cover the roots of the your bareroot rose with soil. For a grafted rose, you want the bud union to be right around soil level, but know that this does vary by zone. In zones 6-10, the bud union should be about 1" above the soil sruface.  In zones 5 and under, it's a good idea to bury the bud union about 1" under the soil.  Click here to find your zone. 

Step 6: Water

Give your bareroot rose a large drink of water to settle the soil so that there is no air left around the roots.

Step 7: Mound soil around canes

Mound soil up to almost the top of the canes to protect the rose from drying out. When the shoots start to grow, pull the soil away from the plant so that rose bush is back at the proper level.

Click here to watch a helpful video on how to plant a bareroot rose!