Shrub Rose

Unwrap the packaging and remove the coir circle from around the base of the plant. Roses will thrive in moist, well-drained soil with good feeding, and plenty of sun. It is possible to grow your rose in a large container, but attentive feeding and watering will be necessary. Plant the rose as soon as possible, so long as ground conditions are suitable. If the roots are dry, allow them to soak for an hour or so before planting. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, scattering in some compost and bonemeal. Water thoroughly before placing the rose firmly in the hole, spreading the roots out as you refill to the base of the stem. During the winter your rose bush will be dormant and leafless, but is hardy so should not be kept indoors.

Water well throughout summer, and avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Water more sparingly during the winter months.  When you water your roses, try to avoid watering the foliage, and instead aim your hose or watering can directly at the soil.

To get the very best out of your roses, it pays to be generous! Feed them with compost or manure as often as once a month if you can, and you will be rewarded with an impressive show of flowers.  You can also use organic slow-release fertilisers which help to supply the right balance of nutrients needed for optimum growth.

Pruning away dead wood, weak or awkward stems in March will encourage strong growth. The blooms will flower best on the new shoots which grow from the base of the plant. After pruning, add an extra mulch of manure to keep your rose happy and healthy.

Your roses will look beautiful blooming in your garden, but if you’d like a display of flowers to brighten up the house too we’ve a few tips to encourage them to flourish for as long as possible. Water your roses well the evening before you intend to pick them. The best time to pick is in the morning when the weather is still cool, but once the dew has dried.

Chose buds which are just beginning to open, and cut the stems with clean, sharp secateurs. Strip the leaves from any part of the stems which will sit under the water. Snip the stems at an angle with a very sharp knife or garden shears (blunt blades or scissors will crush the stems). Arrange your roses in a vase of clean water and position them out of direct sunlight and away from heaters. Ripening fruit causes ethylene which causes flowers to wilt and fade, so positioning your flowers away from the fruit bowl will help keep them fresh. Change the water and trim the stems every other day and you’ll be rewarded with an impressive and long lasting display.