By the Mesa-East Valley Rose Society
Rose Selection
When you consider purchasing a rose, you'll find a variety to fit any space. You can find any color, shape, or size that you need. You are limited in your selections only by space.
Choose only #1 grade rose bushes, they have the best chance of surviving our summer heat. The bush should have at least three to four healthy canes. Do not buy them if the canes are spindly or if they have started to leaf out. The canes should be plum and green, not dry or shrivel. The roots should be soft and pliable, not dried out. Do not buy the rose if it has been dipped in wax. Our sun will burn the rose. Roses can be purchased through a catalog or from a Nursery or Discount store.
Planting
Soak the entire rose bush in water for eight to 24 hours prior to planting. Plant the rose 3 - 5 feet apart in a location that will have at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. The east side is better as they will get the morning sun.
Dig the hole at least 18 - 24 inches deep and 18 - 24 inches wide. This depends on the size of the rose. In the bottom of the hole, add 1/4 cup soil sulphur and 1/4 cup treble superphosphate. Mix with 2 shovelfuls of a mixture of original soil, potting soil, and mulch. Mix together. Add more soil mixture and make a cone. Spread the roots of the rose bush over the cone, cover the roots with the rest of the soil mixture. Water the rose slowly and deeply. This helps to eliminate air pockets and keeps the rose from drying out. Firm the soil around the bush. Mounding with moist soil or mulch protects the canes from drying out while the root system is becoming established. When you see signs of growth, the mulch can be slowly washed away. The bud union should be planted about even with the soil level. Do not fertilize your new bush until after it has bloomed.
Trim the canes back to 8 - 10 inches. Cut to an outward facing bud eye. Seal the cuts with a wood glue. Water every day for the first week.
Planting at the Right Time
Plant bareroot roses from mid-December through February. Also, this is the time to transplant roses. Container grown roses may be planted March through May.
Allow Enough Space
Be sure you locate your rose in an area that has good drainage. Avoid locations close up to light-colored walls with south or west exposures. Place roses where they do not compete with roots of trees or shrubs for nutrients.
- In this climate, plant hybrid teas and some old garden roses 3 feet apart.
- Space Floribunda according to the potential size, usually 3 feet apart.
- Grandifloras should be planted about 3 feet apart.
- Miniatures should be planted about 12 - 18 inches apart.
- Shrubs depend on their size, anywhere for 2 feet to 4 feet.
- Polyantha are normally spaced 12 to 18 inches apart.
- Climbers are vigorous growers and need to be spaced 6 to 10 feet apart. They do well on north and east walls. They should be planted about 12 to 18 inches away from the wall to allow for air circulation. They also do well on trellises. The canes need to be spread out in order to produce large masses of flowers.
- Tree roses should be planted 3 feet apart.
Transplanting Old Roses
Roses of any age that are healthy and have grown well can be transplanted: If they are older consider buying new ones, most varieties are inexpensive and are available all year. Transplanting should be restricted to bushes that are healthy and have a specific value.
Before transplanting the rose bush, cut the top back 1/2 to 2/3rds. In digging save as much of the root system as possible. Small bushes can be moved bare root. Larger specimens should be transplanted by taking a ball of soil with the roots. The most dormant season for transplanting is December through March.
Container Grown Roses
Container grown roses can be planted any time of the year. Soil preparation is the same as for bare root-roses. There is no need for a cone, but dig the hole as wide and as deep for the bareroot roses. The roses should be carefully removed from the containers, disturbing the root ball as little as possible. If the roots are coiled, carefully straighten them out.
Roses that are grown in pots will need more watering. They also will require more fertilizer, only in smaller amounts. Remember to water before and after fertilizing. Container grown roses need to be repotted at least every three years or sooner if they become root bound. Just move them to a larger pot Miniature roses can easily be divided when they outgrow their pots.
~ This is how the 8,000 roses at The Rose Garden at Mesa Community College are planted.
Marylou Coffman, LeRoy Brady, Rod McKusick, Consulting Rosarians