Box planters, wooden barrels, and washtubs can make great containers for full-sized roses. When it doubt, it’s better to go too big than too small. Roses that are planted in roomy containers grow larger and healthier on average, and also tend to do better over the harsh winter season. [2] X Research source
Grow bags are also easy to pick up and tote from place to place, and can even be planted in the ground should you decide to make your roses a permanent fixture in your garden.
Most garden supply stores and greenhouses sell plastic pot liners that are designed to fit perfectly inside standard-sized containers. If you don’t want to purchase a separate liner, you can also make your own using a plastic trash bag or several layers of newsprint. [4] X Research source
If you already have a container you want to use that doesn’t feature built-in drainage holes, you can put a few in yourself using an electric drill. Your roses can develop many undesirable conditions as a result of overwatering, including stunted growth, wilting, and root rot, which can actually kill the plant.
Sand or clay particles can also be used to give the lower part of the soil a well-drained, loamy texture. It will probably be okay to forego the gravel layer if you’re using a container with good drainage holes and you plan on raising your roses outdoors.
Look for mixtures that are specifically formulated for use with roses. These soils contain all of the essential nutrients that roses need to thrive. Alternatively, you can try making your own potting soil mixture using one part soil from your yard or garden, one part organic compost, and one part horse, cow, or mushroom manure.
Some gardening experts recommend adding a small scoop of bone meal or humus to larger rose plants that require extra nourishment. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer meant specifically for roses in your soil. Apply it as needed or as the packaging recommends.
Heap the loose soil around the edges of the container rather than throwing it out. You’ll need it to fill in the hole later.
The top of the soil should be about even with the bud onion (the bulbous, woody stalk at the base of the plant from which the stems will sprout), so that the roots are submerged by 1–2 inches (2. 5–5. 1 cm). [8] X Research source Be sure to pack the soil firmly enough to anchor the rose, but not enough to smother or constrict it. Plant your rose at about the same level it was at in the pot or container. You will want a pot that is deep enough to fit your root ball and still leave about 1 inch (2. 5 cm) between the soil and the top. This helps prevent spilling when watering.
Sink the stake as deep as possible to make sure it’s secure. Ideally, it should reach all the way down to the bottom of the container. When raising an entire bush in a barrel, washtub, or grow bag, it’s a good idea to put down multiple stakes 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) apart. If you attempt to grow larger types of roses without the aid of a separate support structure, they’ll eventually droop and spill out over the sides of the container.
In between waterings, stick a finger into the soil. If it feels dry to the touch, it’s probably time to water again. [11] X Research source You may need to water your roses more frequently if you live in a particularly warm climate, or they spent most of the day in direct sunlight.
If necessary, you can reposition your roses throughout the day to keep them bathed in the changing sunlight. Consider letting your roses spend most of the day outside on a sun-drenched porch, patio, or balcony during the warm summer months. [13] X Research source
Once the flowers begin blooming, you can increase the frequency of your applications to once every 1-2 weeks. [15] X Research source Roses grown outdoors will need to be fertilized more often than those grown indoors because of how much faster they develop.
In addition to preserving the health of your roses, spacing your containers strategically makes it possible to display them over a much wider area.
Get in the habit of pruning your roses back in the spring before they start blooming. [17] X Research source Selective pruning can also be used to shape the plant to better fit a particular space. Always prune above an outward-facing bud to prevent inward growth.
Be sure to fill the new container with fresh potting soil and organic material. It’s especially important to repot roses if you’ve noticed their growth stalling, or they appear sickly despite having their needs met.
