by Kate Worrall

Created on: March 27, 2010   Last Updated: March 28, 2010

Here are few tips to help you ensure a healthy beautiful rose bush in your garden.

 Firstly, find your perfect place for your rose. A rose needs somewhere in your garden which has full sun or as much as possible. A rose bush on average needs at least five hours of sun, and morning sun is preferable as it dries up the dew and prevents disease. It also needs fertile well draining soil. When looking at the spot you have picked make sure there are no trees nearby as they will take the much needed nutrients away from the rose.

 Now that you have found the place you want to plant your rose, you need to remove any weeds or mulch that are on the site. Next you need to start to dig your hole. This should be approximately 40cm wide and 30cm deep. The soil that is removed from the hole should be put in a wheelbarrow and any roots need to be removed. The soil should then mixed with some compost, this will be put back into the hole later on. A handful of slow release fertilizer should be mixed in to the soil – compost mixture.

 Now that you have dug your hole you need to prick the sides and base of the hole with a fork. This will encourage drainage. Add a layer of the compost mixture to the hole and this will help the rose grow.

 The rose should now be placed in the hole in its pot. Check that the level of the base of the rose is the same level as the ground. Either remove or add the compost mixture as is required.

 Gently remove the rose from the pot and tease out some of the outer roots. This will encourage the roots to grow out away from the plant. Place the rose in the centre of your hole and fill around with the compost mixture. Firm the soil and the base of the plant with your hands. This will remove air pockets which can damage the plant.

 Finally, water the rose with a full watering can, this will enable the soil to stick to the roots and remove any air pockets that you may have missed. In the winter the rose should get enough water depending on your location but may need more in dryer conditions. Your rose should bloom in late spring.

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