The rose has always been considered the flower of beauty, gladiators of romance, and ever-resilient, thus becoming every gardener’s favorite flower.
But to actually witness those magnificent blooms and a fragrance to die for, you must plant them where they can flourish. After all, location is everything when it comes to growing roses.
In our expert guide, we give you insight on the right growing conditions so that your garden may be aglow with fresh blossoms all year round.
Main Takeaways
- Roses require at least six hours of direct sun each day, preferably sun in the morning. Otherwise, a little bit of shade is okay, especially if it is very hot.
- Roses flourish in well-drained loamy soil. Do not plant in places where there had been roses before.
- Give good spacing of around 1.5 to 2 feet between rose bushes for air circulation and to avoid competition for nutrients.
- Roses are considered the prima donnas of the garden, but their gorgeous flowers are worth the effort for these classic beauties. With the introduction of other hardy varieties of roses, growing a lush rose garden might not be as difficult as you think.
Roses are one of the easiest ways to add long-lasting color to the garden:
According to Megan McConnell, horticulturist and plant information director at Monrovia. “Thanks to modern breeding, roses are as easy to grow as any other flowering shrub.”
Looking for the right spot to plant roses in your garden will reward you with long-lasting brilliant blooms. Below, garden experts offer their best tips for the design of a stunning rose garden.
Why Does Location Matter for Rose Growth?
As with real estate, location matters for roses. The correct place will allow roses to get their sunlight, air circulation, as well as soil nourishment-all-important requirements for growth and flowering.
Improper planting may result in the plant performing poorly in blooming, stunted growth, or in the unfortunate incidences of infestations or diseases. We break down all factors that go into a truly ideal environmental setup for growing roses.
Sunlight – At Least 6 Hours of Direct Sun
One of the most important factors to consider in the successful cultivation of roses is full sun exposure since roses are sun lovers.
- Minimum sunlight: Try to give a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight every day.
- Morning sun is best: The early sun dries dew fairly quickly, reducing the chances of fungal nuisances such as black spot or powdery mildew.
- Less shade: Roses planted in excessive shade will be less viable and bloom less, giving out thin, weak stems.
Expert Tip: A garden facing south or southwest tends to get the best sunlight.
Well-Drained Soil
Roses don’t like “wet feet.” That means having soil that drains well is the key to preventing root rot and other water-related diseases.
- Soil texture: A loamy soil that retains moisture but drains easily is the best.
- pH level: Roses prefer slightly acidic soil having a pH in the range of 6.0 to 6.5.
- Add organic matter: Compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold can be added in, improving both structure and fertility.
Expert Tip: When planting in a heavy clay soil, amend it with sand, compost, or peat moss to improve drainage.
Air Circulation
Good air movement keeps many fungal infections at bay and encourages sturdy growth within your plants.
Do not plant them too close to walls and fences.
Keep your rose bushes 3 to 5 feet apart, depending on variety, to provide for the growing space and “breathing.”
Expert Tips: Do not crowd too many plants into a single garden space. Roses need the airflow around them to flourish.
Shelter from Harsh Winds
Though roses really do adore all that sunshine, accompanied by plenty of fresh air, strong winds will almost certainly murder their gracile stems and petals. Furthermore, such winds also make the soil lose its moisture very quickly.
In a position suitable for a natural windbreak, consider planting the roses near a hedge or trellis or even a wall (but not too close to inhibit the airflow).
Low fencing or shrubbery ought to be installed to block prevailing winds without standing in the way of the sunshine.
Expert Tips: Consider planting hardier rose varieties such as shrub or rugosa roses instead, which will take rough conditions quite well, in coastal or windy areas.
Avoid Competition with Trees or Large Shrubs
Roses are heavy feeders and drinkers, and they won’t like to compete for the nutrient or water sources.
Don’t establish roses right under the trees.
Avoid areas of dense root systems, like under maples or oaks.
Expert Tip: If planting under a tree cannot be avoided, plant in raised beds or containers to minimize competition.
Accessible Location for Maintenance
Choose a place that you can easily water, prune, fertilize, and simply enjoy.
Avoid being too steep or tucked away in an awkward corner.
Roses want a lot of attention: tending, deadheading, pest control, and simply loving them.
Expert Tip: Plant your roses by a pathway or sitting area that will encourage you to care for them as much as you enjoy seeing them!
It is an often-repeated expression emphasizing the variability of roses. Some thriving amidst cold, others loving extreme heat. Check your USDA Hardiness Zone (or regional equivalent) and select those that can take the climate there.
In cold areas, hardy roses like Explorer or Knock Out® roses are suggested.
In hot, humid areas, one may consider disease-resistant types, such as Drift® or Floribunda types.
Expert Tip: Ask your local nursery which rose varieties have been proven to thrive in your area.
Raised Beds or Containers in Difficult Spots
Do not lose heart if your yard does not provide great soil or good sunlight for roses.
Build raised beds filled with rich soil where the drainage is bad.
Put miniature roses or patio types in big containers on balcony/patio, ensuring they get to bask in sunlight.
Expert Tip: Container roses will require more watering and feeding than their ground counterparts but will allow you to move them freely.
Final Checklist: Planting Conditions for Ideal Roses
Before planting, your site should tick the following boxes:
- Minimum of 6 hours’ direct sunlight
- Well-draining and fertile soil
- Shelter from very strong winds
- Good air circulation
- Lay easily maintainable
- Free from competition by trees or shrubs
- Suitable for your local climate
Conclusion
Roses are very hardy and rewarding, but their success depends on the choice of the right location. Give your roses plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil, fresh air, and protect them from harsh elements, and they will reward you with vigorous growth and magnificent blooms for decades.
Whether you are planting roses in your backyard garden, a raised bed, or a pot on the balcony, use these expert tips to grow roses that thrive and not just survive.
FAQS:
How many hours of sunlight do roses need each day?
Roses require 6 or more hours of full sun for good blooms. Most beneficial, however, is the sun of the morning, for dew drying, and preventing fungal diseases.
Can roses grow in partial shade?
Besides some few varieties advertised to be shade-tolerant, the majority of roses don’t like partial shade. They may survive, but the blooms will be few in number, and the growth will become leggy.
What kind of soil do roses prefer?
Roses prefer loamy soil that is well drained and has plenty of organic material mixed into it. Ideal pH should be about 6.0 to 6.5-not neutral but slightly acidic.
