Planting a containerised rose bush

Step 1
For the best results plant in the autumn or early spring, containerised plants can be planted at any time of the year as long as the soil is not waterlogged or frozen, or suffering from drought. Choose plants with at least three healthy, well-balanced stems. Submerge the container and the rose roots in a bucket of slightly tepid water. It is important to ensure that the root ball and surrounding compost is thoroughly wet before planting.

Step 2
Decide where you want to plant the rose and dig a hole larger than the size of the root ball. It needs to be deep enough to plant the rose up to the base of the crown of stems and you need to allow enough room to add some planting compost too. Loosen the soil at the base of the hole and around the sides with a fork to allow the roots easier access. Fill the base of the hole with organic Farmyard Manure. Add Rose, Tree & Shrub Granular Plant Food to the planting hole and work it gently into the soil and manure. Follow the instructions on the pack to ensure you apply the correct amount for your plant.

Step 3
Remove the rose plant from the container and place the root ball of the rose into the hole so that the crown is level with the top of the planting hole. Turn the rose around until the best side faces in the direction it will be mostly viewed from.

Step 4
Fill in around the rose roots with Rose, Tree & Shrub Compost, mixing this in with the surrounding soil. Pack the soil and compost mix around the root ball firmly but do not compact it too much. When the hole is refilled completely, firm the soil around the plant with the sole of your boots and water well.

Step 5
Check on the rose after about a week. You may find that the compost/soil mixture has settled and sunk a little around the base of the rose. If so, fill in the sunken area with more Rose, Tree & Shrub Compost and firm gently. Mulch around your plant with an appropriate mulch such as Mini Chipped Bark.