Why We Love Roses
Here’s to the scruffy rose. The ‘Super Fairy’ rambling along your fence. The ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ climbing past your window. The ‘Tottering-by-Gently’ brightening up your flowerbed. So many bonkers names. So many colours and styles. And best of all… so very easy to grow. Here's everything you need to know about roses.
It’s a common misconception that roses are high maintenance flouncy divas, requiring homemade elixirs and constant attention. In fact, most of the rambling, climbing and bush roses available today are surprisingly happy when accidentally neglected. Most of team Sproutl have the opposite problem… keeping the rampant flowers under control.
"In fact, most of the rambling, climbing and shrub roses available today are surprisingly happy when accidentally neglected.”
Planting and Care
N.B. Don’t worry if your new rose seems to be nothing but a very expensive stick in a pot. Come spring, it’ll burst into life. Promise.
When
You have two chances to plant roses: September–November before the first frost, or February–May, once any chance of frost has passed.
Where
Roses like full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil, and will benefit from a thick layer of mulch on top to hold in enough moisture.
How
Before planting, dig in a good helping of well-rotted manure and they’ll be happy as clams. In early spring, dig a little slow-release fertiliser into the soil and a few big handfuls of bonemeal. Roses love bonemeal.
Space
Refer to the label for specific instructions. Different varieties need varying amounts of space.
In Pots
In general, follow the advice above and you’ll have flourishing roses in no time. The best compost to use is a loam-based option such as John Innes No 3 to which 10 to 20 percent multi-purpose compost, horse manure compost, or very well-rotted manure should be added for richness. Make sure the circumference of your container is at least three times the size of its original pot. Roses need support as they climb. Metal arches, trellis, bamboo canes… whatever floats your boat.
Long term
In the summer months, water your roses regularly. When you're feeding your tomatoes, sprinkle a bit of tomato feed on the roses, too. Deadhead weekly when in bloom, and trim back any over-excited branches.
