How to plant a bare root standard rose
By following these simple steps, you will ensure your bare root standard rose gets off to the best possible start.
When to plant
Bare root roses are best planted between January and May, during bare root season. This gives them time to establish ready to bloom come summer. The only time we recommend that you don't plant is when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or in drought conditions.
You will need
Spade
Fork
Large bucket of water
Watering can
Organic soil improver or well-rotted manure
Wooden stake (supplied)
Tree Tie (supplied)
Clout nail
Hammer or mallet
Where to plant
- Make sure the rose has some sun, ideally at least 4 hours of sunlight a day.
- Generally, the more sun the better. However in the hottest areas, shade from the afternoon sun can be beneficial.
- Ensure the rose has enough space, so that the roots do not suffer from intense competition from neighbouring plants, including treesand hedges.
Step by step guide
Step 1Rehydrate your roseRehydrate your rose in a bucket of water for a minimum of 2 hours prior to planting.
Step 2Prepare the soilDig over the soil thoroughly, using the garden fork and remove any weeds or large stones. This will ensure that the new roots can venture freely into their new environment. Roses will grow in all soil types.
Step 3Dig the holeDig a hole big enough for the rose's roots, approximately 60cm wide by 40cm deep.
STEP 4Break the soil at the base of your holeBreak up the soil at the base of the hole with a fork, and mix a spadeful of well-rotted manure or Carr's Organic Soil Improver in with the soil at the bottom of the hole. Also, mix two spadefuls of soil improver with the soil removed from the hole.
step 5Remove the tie from the stake and roseJust before planting, remove the tree tie that is holding the rose and the wooden stake together.
STEP 6Position the rose in the holePosition the rose in the centre of the hole. The bottom of the stems should be 2" (5cm) below the top of the hole - use a bamboo cane to help measure.
STEP 7Hammer the stake into the holeTo support your standard tree rose use your mallet or hammer to drive the wooden stake into the ground by 20cm, leaving the stake about 1m from ground level. Check that your stake is at the right height - the top of the stake should be at the same height as the top of the standard tree stem, where it splits into branches.
STEP 8Apply David Austin's Mycorrhizal fungiSprinkle David Austin's Mycorrhizal fungi on the roots of the standard rose.
STEP 9Backfill the soilPlace the rose into the hole and backfill the soil, firming as you go.
STEP 10Replace the tree tieTo secure the rose in the hole, replace the tree tie and ensure it is tight to the stake and rose stem.
STEP 11Firm in and water wellGive your standard tree rose one last firm in around the base and water well.
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