Shrub Rose Planting Distances

How far apart should shrub roses be planted?

For a successful garden, getting planting distances right is important. Plant shrub roses too closely together and the border becomes overcrowded. Plant too far apart and you will see areas of bare earth between each rose. When planting you want to take into account the grown size of the rose, this means to begin with, while your roses establish themselves, you may see gaps between them.

Planting single plants

Different varieties of roses may be planted as single plants within the same border. Similarly, single rose plants may be planted amongst other companion plants within a mixed border. In both instances, make sure you allow enough space for the mature width of the rose.

Diagram shows one rose planted in a bed or border.

PLANTING DISTANCES WHEN PLANTING DIFFERENT VARIETIES NEXT TO EACH OTHER

Mature width of plant: 2 - 3ft, Planting distance: 3ft

Mature width of plant: 3.5 - 4ft, Planting distance: 4ft

Mature width of plant: 4.5 - 5ft, Planting distance: 5ft

Creating larger bushes (3+roses)

Planting three of the same shrub rose together in a tight group creates the illusion of one larger shrub, making greater impact in the garden. In this situation, we recommend planting closer together, in a triangular formation, overlapping them by half of their mature width.

To begin with, whilst your roses are establishing, you may see gaps between them. It will take around three years to achieve the full 'large bush' effect.

Diagram shows three roses planted together as a larger bush.

PLANTING DISTANCES FOR PLANTING THE SAME VARIETY AS ONE LARGER BUSH

Mature width of plant: 2 - 3ft, Planting distance: 1.5ft

Mature width of plant: 3.5 - 4ft, Planting distance: 2ft

Mature width of plant: 4.5 - 5ft, Planting distance: 2.5ft

Planting a rose hedge

We recommend planting at least 5-10 roses of the same variety, in a single line, to create the effect of one continuous hedge. Plant the roses closer together than normal to form a continuous, dense line, overlapping them by half of their mature width.