How to plant a bare root climbing rose
By following these simple steps, you will ensure your bare root climbing rose gets off to the best possible start.
When to plant
Bare root roses are best planted between October and April, during bare root season. This gives them time to establish ready to bloom come summer. The only time we recommend that you don't plant is when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or in drought conditions.
You will need
Where to plant
Roses are incredibly versatile plants and can be planted in an array of different positions.
- Make sure the rose has some sun, ideally at least 4 hours of sunlight a day.
- Generally, the more sun the better. However in the hottest areas, shade from the afternoon sun can be beneficial.
- Ensure the rose has enough space, so that the roots do not suffer from intense competition from neighbouring plants, including treesand hedges.
- Ensure the rose has a structure to 'climb'. You will need to tie the stems onto the supporting structure as it grows.
Step by step guide
Step 1Rehydrate your roseRehydrate your rose in a bucket of water for a minimum of 2 hours prior to planting.
Step 2Prepare the soilDig over the soil thoroughly, using the garden fork and remove any weeds or large stones. This will ensure that the new roots can venture freely into their new environment. Roses will grow in all soil types.
Step 3Dig the hole and break up the soil at the baseDig a hole big enough for the rose's roots, approximately 16" wide by 16" deep (40x40cm), using a spade.
STEP 4Add well-rotted manureBreak up the soil at the base of the hole with a fork, and mix a spadeful of well-rotted manure or Carr's Organic Soil Improver in with the soil at the bottom of the hole. Also, mix two spadefuls of soil improver with the soil removed from the hole.
step 5Apply David Austin's Mycorrhizal FungiRemove the bare root rose from the bucket of water and whilst holding the rose over the planting hole, sprinkle the roots with Mycorrhizal Fungi.
STEP 6Position the rose in the holePosition the rose in the centre of the hole with the stems pointing towards the wall or supporting structure and with the roots away, at a 45 degree angle. Place a bamboo cane horizontally across the top of the hole to judge if the planting depth is correct. The graft union, which is the swollen area between the roots and the stems, should be just below the bamboo cane.
STEP 7Backfill, firm-in and water wellBackfill around the roots of the rose, using the soil that was dug to make the hole. Then, lightly firm the soil around the rose with your foot. Water well.
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