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Can I Grow a Rose In a Pot? Ten things you need to know
A poll of 2000 adults in the UK found that the rose was officially Britain’s
most popular flower:
https://www.countryliving.com/uk/homes-interiors/gardens/news/a1838/britains-favourite-flower-vote/
Now that ‘Flaming June’ is here again, along with drowsy summer warmth,
the roses in our Plant Area are looking fabulous. So, no surprises that we
have been inundated with rose related queries.
Here is a typical example:
Susie W– ‘I want to buy a rose as a thank you gift for a special friend, but
she only has a small garden and grows everything in pots. What’s your
view on growing roses in pots as I’m not sure if you can?’
Questions about growing roses in pots are probably our top gardening
customer inquiry. So, this blog is an excellent opportunity for me to write
down some simple pointers for growing roses in containers.
Ten pointers for growing roses in pots
1) Not all roses will do well in a pot
In other words, it is important to choose a rose variety appropriate to pot
growing. For example, very vigorous climbing roses are not good subjects
for container cultivation. Instead, look for a shrub rose with a compact,
bushy habit.
2) See your roses in flower, where possible
The best way to judge a rose is to see it in flower. To fall in love with a rose
you really need to gaze into it and sniff it. But beware! Collecting roses can
be addictive.
Fun Fact: Did you know that a person who cultivates roses, especially as
an occupation, is called a Rosarian?
Scent is very important factor in selecting a rose. You can find out more
about using scent in the garden here: :
https://www.capitalgardens.co.uk/blog/the-scented-garden/
3) Miniature roses and patio roses
These are the best roses for pot growing. These types are great for pots with
a minimum depth of 35cm.
a) Miniature roses
These have been selectively bred to remain small. There are many exciting
newer varieties of miniature roses with beautiful flowers. They are ideal for
planting in tubs and pots.
b) Patio roses
These are larger and stronger than miniature roses. They have neat, bushy
growth. Patio roses have been bred to do well in pots and will produce
repeated flushes of flowers during the year. I would use a pot of 45cm
depth for planting one of these.
Look out for the varieties ‘Carefree Days’, ‘Sweet Wonder’, ‘Flirt 2011’,
‘Raspberry Royale’, and ‘Little Sunset’ if you want a reliable patio rose for
pots and tubs. ‘Flower Power Gold’ is available as a patio standard rose if
you are looking for a striking statement for a container.
4) David Austin® English Roses can be grown in large pots and tubs
David Austin® roses are exquisite English Roses, specially bred for their
beauty, scent and repeat flowering blooms. They are premier roses, many
of them receiving the highest awards. These roses, if looked after, will
flower in flushes throughout the summer and into autumn.
Watch a video tutorial for planting a David Austin® in a pot using this link:
https://www.davidaustinroses.co.uk/blogs/news/how-to-plant-a-rose-in-a-pot
5) Shrub roses do best in DEEP pots
That is to say, shallow pots are not suitable for cultivating rose plants. So,
when selecting a pot for a rose look at our selection of larger containers.
A pot of at least 50cm width and depth is needed for planting a shrub rose.
6) Ensure your pot has adequate drainage
This is because roots need air as well as water.
7) Chose a sunny position for your roses
Roses will not thrive in deep shade. An ideal location for a potted rose is
one that receives sun for more than half of the day. You can grow roses
in light shade, although you will get fewer flowers.
8) Put your empty pot in its final location before planting it up
This is because a large pot full of compost is heavy and difficult to move
around.
9) The best compost for planting pot grown roses
Loam-based John Innes No 3 with added enrichment of around 20
percent multi-purpose compost. If you prefer using peat-free products
then our ‘New Leaf Compost’ (an organic, peat free, multi-purpose
compost) is a good alternative. Very well-rotted manure is an excellent
thing to add to your mix to enrich it. This is because roses like growing
in moist, rich soil.
10) Roses in pots need to be watered more often than those
planted in the ground
This is because soil in pots loses water more quickly than the ground,
and because the plant’s roots are restricted to a much smaller space.
Five simple steps to planting up your potted rose into
its new container
Before you start, give your potted rose a good soak for half an hour.
Wear gardening gloves, because rose thorns can really scratch you!
Fun fact: Technically roses do not have thorns! The spikey structures
on the stems of roses are technically prickles.
A) Having chosen a suitable pot, check it has good drainage holes. Keep
the holes clear from blockages by placing broken clay potsherds
(crocks) or chunks of polystyrene on the bottom.
B) Start filling your container with your compost mix, firming it as
you go to remove air-pockets. Stop filling when the pot is half full.
C) Take your potted rose in its plastic pot and try it in the new container.
You want to place it so that the join between the graft and rootstock
(called the union) is clear of the soil, but below the rim of the new pot.
If the positioning is okay, carry on.
D) Remove the rose from its container and leave the roots undisturbed.
Position the rose in the centre of the pot. Continue filling the pot up
with your compost mix, firming as you go.
E) Your rose should have the union above the surface of the soil, and
there should be at least a 5cm gap between the soil surface and the top
of the pot. This gap is important as it means that when you are watering
the water will not just run off the surface onto the floor, but will be able
to soak in.
You are now ready to give your newly potted rose a good watering.
This will ensure the compost settles and the roots have plenty of moisture.
Where to see roses
Thinking about adding some beautiful roses to your garden or patio? Then
you should go and see a range of roses to get some inspiration.
1) Capital Gardens. Visit your nearest branch to see a curated collection of
potted roses, including David Austin® roses, French roses, moss roses,
climbing roses, rambling roses, and patio roses.
2) The Rose Garden, Regents Park – London’s largest collection of
rose plants.
3) Kew Gardens Rose Garden:
https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-in-the-gardens/rose-garden
Something fun to do:
Did you know that rose petals are edible? Do you want to know more
about this and try Chef Nabila’s easy method for homemade rosewater?
Then watch our ‘Incredible Edible Flowers’ webinar:
https://vimeo.com/537658751
Potted Rose Aftercare
A) Roses in pots need feeding. The easiest way to do this is by applying
a granular rose fertilizer such as ‘Top Rose’ or ‘Vitax Organic Rose Food’ in
spring.
B) Mulching the top of the pot with a 5cm layer of well-rotted manure
will enrich the compost and help retain moisture in the compost below.
C) Never let your potted roses dry out. This is especially important
during the summer. Rose bushes that dry out are prone to powdery mildew.
Roses in pots need more watering than roses planted in the ground.
D) Every two years remove the top 5cm of soil in the pot and replace with
fresh compost mix – this process is known as ‘top dressing’.
In Conclusion
It is possible to grow roses in pots if you put the right rose in the right pot.
Roses like deep pots. Remember, larger roses need larger pots. Roses in pots
need regular watering and feeding.
If you follow the simple pointers above you can grow lovely, healthy, floriferous
roses in pots in your garden.
Really loved this fascinating article about the historical use of colourful flowers in cooking and presentation of dishes. I’m looking forward to producing some delicious summer party dishes with unusual and bright garnishes which be a real talking point! I may even try growing my own for next year too! Thank you