Planting should be done as soon as possible upon receipt but try to avoid planting when the weather is wet and the soil soggy or the ground frozen. Any ordinary garden soil in full sun is sufficient for all types of Roses. Prepare the soil well before planting, by mixing in plenty of organic matter and a good general-purpose granular fertiliser. Dig out a planting hole large enough to take all the roots without bending or cramping them. Place the roots in the hole and refill around the roots with topsoil. You must ensure that all of the root area is completely covered with soil, leaving air pockets between the roots and the soil can kill the plant. Firm the soil with a gentle treading. Keep adding soil until the hole is full, then give a final firming with the heel so that the rose will not rock in the wind. Water plants well until established.
Feed plants with a dressing of Rose Fertiliser each spring or apply a mulch of well-rotted compost or manure.
Planting Into Containers
If your plant is suitable for growing in containers, then follow the advice regarding size of pot in the information below 'Specific Information for Variety Ordered' and plant up as follows. Make sure that your container is thoroughly clean before planting up and that it has a drainage hole. To assist drainage cover the container base with broken clay pots, flat stones or gravel. Fill the container with the recommended potting mix. Plant firmly and water well after planting. Ensure that the root-ball is fully covered when the soil has settled and that there is a space of 3cm (1 inch) at the top of the pot for watering.
Maintenance
On arrival, shorten any thick roots back to 25cm (10 inches) and also remove any damaged roots. During growth, remove any dead, damaged or diseased growth. You should also deadhead plants regularly unless you would like the plant to produce decorative hips.For best flowering performance, feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser from spring through to summer, at 3 week intervals. You should mulch plants well with fresh compost each winter to conserve moisture around the plant.
Detailed yearly pruning instructions for each individual type of Rose is shown in 'Specific Information for the Variety Ordered. However, try to avoid pruning during frosty weather when the Roses are dormant, therefore delay until early spring if you experience harsh winters. Also, when pruning always reduce stems back to an out-ward facing bud to minimize risk of disease and to maintain good plant shape.
