Planting Potted Roses to a Garden

When planting potted roses into your garden, be sure there is no possibility of frost.

If you have potted plants that have been in the same flower pots for more than three years, they might not survive transplanting. Roses tend to get pot bound. Also, if the container is not in good shape, roses rot easily. So before you transplant the rose, make sure that the pot and plant are in good condition.

Here are the steps for planting potted roses:

1. Gather your tools:
   • Heavy Gloves
   • Long Handled Spade and Shovel
   • Trowel
   • Rake
   • Fertilizer, if desired
   • Disinfectant
   • Water
   • Plastic Bag
2. Check the rose plant to make sure it has no fungus or bacterial disease.
3. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball and to allow for additional growth. Leave the bottom of hole flat, and add a tiny bit of soil.
4. Water the rose plant lightly, and disinfect it if needed. Be careful not to spray the roots.
5. Prune leaf sets by cutting at a 45-degree angle. Cut back to the 3rd leaf set and clear away any thin growth.
6. Use the spade to carefully loosen the potted rose from the container. Make a circular motion around the inside of the pot.
7. Remove the rose plant from the pot and carefully place it in the hole.
8. Spread out the roots gently but don’t compress them into the soil because the water does that for you.
9. Add water and soil gradually, and let the water drain completely after each addition.
10. Cover the plant with a plastic bag and water.

Keep the rose plant covered for 7 – 10 days and check periodically for dryness. Keep the plant wet. Uncover the rose on a dark, warm day toward evening when there is no wind.