Growing Roses in Containers

Selecting a Container

Choose containers made of wood or of unglazed ceramic, because they can “breathe” and stay cooler than metal or plastic containers. The pot must have drainage holes, and be large enough to comfortably accommodate the plant’s roots. For miniatures or the smaller shrub varieties, a container 10 to 12 inches in diameter and 12 to 14 inches deep will generally suffice. For hybrid teas and floribundas, we recommend containers at least 16 inches in diameter and 16 to 18 inches deep.

Growing Roses in Containers 1

Planting Mix

Use a planting mix of 3 parts sandy loam soil to 1 part organic matter (or use a potting soil available commercially). At time of planting, add about 1/2 cup bone meal or superphosphate fertilizer to the planting mix.

Planting

Form a mound of planting mix on which the plant’s roots will rest. Position the plant so that the crown (the base where the canes join) is an inch or two below the rim of the container. Then fill the container with planting mix up to the crown. Press it down gently, then water thoroughly. The planting mix should finally settle about an inch or two below the rim, leaving a reservoir to facilitate watering.

Growing Roses in Containers 2

Watering

During the growing season, a thorough watering twice a week should suffice. However, you should regularly monitor the moisture content by checking the planting mix. If you can feel no moisture an inch below the surface, it’s time to water.

Fertilizing

After the new growth is off to a good start, fertilize weekly with a liquid plant food. Use half the recommended amount until the plant is growing well, then increase to the full recommended amount and use according to label directions.

Location

Keep the plants in a sunny place where they receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sun daily. Avoid placing the containers next to light-colored walls, as excessive reflective heat and light may burn the foliage. During the hottest part of summer, take precautions to keep the roots cool. This is less a problem with woody or pottery containers, but roses in any container will benefit by being placed where they are shaded during the hottest part of the day.

Winter Care

Roses in containers can stand temperatures down to 28 degrees F. without protection or covering. If the temperature drops below 28 degrees, move the containers into an unheated shelter. Be sure they are not placed near a window, where warm sunlight might start plants growing. Water very lightly—only enough that the soil does not completely dry out—and don’t fertilize. When warm weather comes, put the containers outside and care for them as before.

1 thought on “Growing Roses in Containers”

  1. Hello, thank you for your guidances in growing the rose in containers.
    I used to grow roses almost in any shape and size of container then I had to leave them at my home, I left to the city to study my business administration, and alas! they died…..

    I am again going to use a pot exactly like you have above in your pic.
    I have the same pot (co-incidence) haha,

    I will start with rooted roses, not the grafted ones.

    I have a nursery where I order roses from.

    WIll start again.

    Cheers!

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