How to plant a bare root shrub rose in a pot

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.

You will need

Pot or container - at least 45cm x 45cm (60 litres)

Gardening gloves

Spade

Fork

Large bucket of water

Watering can

Multipurpose compost and John Innes No 3

David Austin’s Mycorrhizal Fungi

Where to plant

Bare root roses are excellent plants for growing in pots. English Roses, with their shrubby, bushy habit are ideal for growing in large pots and containers. Unlike many other potted plants, English Roses will flower in fragrant flushes throughout the summer and into autumn.

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
Please remember that roses planted in pots require more frequent watering than those planted in the ground.

How to choose your pot

Use a pot with a minimum internal dimension of 45 x 45cm (roughly 60 litres) to allow for an adequate depth of rich soil.
Use gravel, broken crocs or re-use blocks of polystyrene at the bottom of your pot to aid drainage.
Ensure the pot you choose has adequate drainage holes.

Step by step guide

Step 1
Rehydrate your rose

Rehydrate your rose in a bucket of water for a minimum of 2 hours prior to planting.
Step 2
Prepare the pot for planting

Start by placing broken crocs, gravel or reusing blocks of polystyrene at the bottom of your pot; this will help the rose to drain adequately throughout the season. Next, begin to fill your pot with a mix of John Innes No. 3 potting compost and multi-purpose compost. As you fill your pot it’s important to use your hand to lightly press the compost so that you don’t get any air pockets. Carry on filling your pot until it is approximately halfway full
Step 3
Position your rose in your pot

At this point it is important to check that your rose will fit nicely into the pot and at the right height. Place your bare root rose into your pot on top of the soil. Ideally, we’d like to see the union sitting a couple of inches below the rim of your pot. Then sprinkle mycorrhizal fungi over the roots whilst holding it over your pot so that the excess falls into the hole.
STEP 4
Fill-in around your rose with compost

Place your rose into the centre of the pot and continue to fill with your compost mix, firming the soil as you go.
step 5
Water your rose

Finally, water your newly planted bare root well, allowing moisture to penetrate the soil and roots.

Need help deciding which rose is right for you?

Try our rose finder

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