Growing Roses In Containers

Your porch or patio can be become a rose garden in themselves. Miniature roses can grow in window boxes in the summer, and then be brought indoors in winter. Tree roses can grace the entrance to your home and create an elegant atmosphere.

Containers can be any shape as long as they are 18 inches across and 2 feet deep to allow for proper root development Of course, miniature roses can be grown in smaller containers.

Use pots made of virtually any material like plastic, clay, terra cotta, ceramic, metal, or wood. Whatever style of pot you choose, make sure that it provides adequate drainage.

Just like those planted in the ground, roses will die if allowed to continuously stand in water. There should be several holes in the bottom and something for the pot to stand on to keep the container from sitting in grimy water.

If you’re working with a planter that does not have drainage holes, make some or add a layer of gravel or stones at the bottom. The pots can become heavy and difficult to move, so rollers are often available from wherever you purchased the container.

If you did not think of this option beforehand, use a dolly to move large containers to their winter place. Pulling and banging around a flexible pot, like one made of plastic, may damage or even break the roots.

All roses need at least six hours of sun a day and morning sun is ideal. Direct afternoon heat may be great for roses in the ground, but it may be too strong for the container rose and dry them out more quickly. Rotate plants that receive uneven sun or they will begin to reach for the light and lean crookedly.

Roses in containers will need more water than the same roses in the ground. Not only are all sides of the container subject to drying sun and winds, there is also no ground water to fall back upon.

Watch planters carefully and water whenever the growing medium starts to dry out. Adding mulch on top of the planter will help keep the roots of the roses moist and cool.

Planting medium for containers should be rich and well drained. A mix of half organic matter, such as peat moss or compost, and potting soil is acceptable.

The soil in containers will retain fewer nutrients, so fertilize regularly. Feed each week with soluble fertilizer, such as Miracle-Gro, or use a time-release fertilizer if you are afraid that you will forget.