Correct planting is half the battle when growing roses. When and where you plant, how you prepare the hole and how deep you set the graft union decide whether the rose survives its first winter and flowers well. Here is when to plant roses, in spring or autumn, how to choose a plant and a site, how to prepare the planting hole and how to plant a rose step by step.
Approximate spacing between plants; add 20–30% for very vigorous varieties.
When to plant roses: spring or autumn
In autumn, from mid-September to mid-October, roses are planted 3–4 weeks before hard frosts. The roots have time to establish, and in spring the bush starts growing at once and often flowers the first summer. Autumn planting suits bare-root roses best, and that is when the choice of them is widest.
In spring, roses are planted once the soil reaches 10 °C, usually late April to May in central regions. Spring planting is safer where winters are harsh and for tender varieties. Container-grown roses can be planted all season, avoiding only the hottest days.
Choosing the site and the plant
Roses need at least six hours of sun a day, ideally morning sun, shelter from cold winds and good air flow. Avoid low spots where water and cold air collect; the water table should be at least 1 m down. Do not plant a new rose where an old one just grew: the soil becomes tired, so replace it.
A good plant has two or three ripe green canes without spots or wrinkles, live springy roots that are pale when cut and a firm graft union. In a container plant, roots should fill the root ball without circling. Buy varieties suited to our climate from reputable nurseries.
Preparing the planting hole
Dig a hole 50–60 cm deep and wide, ideally two or three weeks before planting so the soil can settle. On heavy soils, add a drainage layer of gravel or broken brick at the bottom. Fill with a mix of garden soil, well-rotted compost and sand or peat; the ideal soil is slightly acidic, pH 6–6.5.
Do not put fresh manure or large doses of mineral fertiliser in the hole, as they burn the roots. Compost and a handful of superphosphate are enough. Start regular feeding only the following season; how and when is described in our article on feeding roses.
How to plant a rose step by step
Soak a bare-root rose in water for 2–24 hours, trim damaged and overly long roots to 25–30 cm and, in spring, shorten the canes to two or three buds. Make a mound in the centre of the hole, spread the roots over it and backfill, firming the soil by hand. The graft union should end up 3–5 cm below soil level.
Water generously with 10–15 litres and, once it soaks in, top up any soil that has settled. Hill up 15–20 cm of soil around the base so the canes do not dry out in spring or get frost-damaged in autumn. In spring, gradually remove the mound once the rose starts growing.
Aftercare
For the first weeks, water every three to five days so the soil never dries out, and mulch with compost or bark. Remove any buds that appear in the first weeks after spring planting so the rose puts its energy into roots. Young bushes must be covered in autumn; see how in our article on preparing roses for winter.
To pick a variety for your garden, see our rose guide, which covers the main groups and their traits.
Roses delivered in Kyiv
While your garden roses settle in, treat yourself to cut ones: our catalogue has dozens of varieties in bouquets, boxes and single stems with delivery across Kyiv.
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
Birthday
Hydrangeas