For our rose container, we chose a floribunda variety as a focal point because it blooms throughout the season. Miniature roses make great base plantings because they are hardy and tend to stay compact.To get started, first choose a container that will be large enough to suit the variety of rose you plan to grow. (Larger hybrids will require a diameter and depth of 16" or more.) And remember to choose containers that are light and easy to move, as well as light in color (a lighter color will help to reflect the sunlight and keep the roots cooler during hotter months of the year).
Check to make sure there is a drainage hole in the bottom of the container. Roses do not like to be kept in standing water.
Now here are the ingredients for success when it comes to the right soil for your roses: create your soil mix by combining about one-third very high-quality topsoil, one-third well-aged compost and one- third perlite to further aid in drainage. Roses are heavy feeders, so be sure to add a cup of bone meal and a cup of blood meal to increase calcium and nitrate levels in the soil mix. This will really help to give the root system a jump start!
When planting roses, fill the container about two-thirds full and place the floribunda rose, with the roots spread out, over a small mound in the soil. Plant the miniature varieties around the sides. Fill in with soil, but be careful not to cover the base of the roses. Newly planted roses also benefit from a sprinkling of epsom salts, which will provide them with the necessary magnesium for healthy foliage
Once planted, the roses need a thorough watering, but avoid getting the foliage wet, as this increases the chance for disease. Place the pot in an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day.
Be sure to water at least twice a week during the drier months of the year; in the winter, move the containers to a sheltered outdoor area. The roots of roses can stay hardy down to 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now here is a quick recap of rose container care:
- Chose rose varieties that will bloom continuously all season.
- Use lightweight, light-colored containers to keep your roses' roots cool.
- A nutrient-rich soil is key to rose growth.
