Q.Planting a floribunda rose in Autumn
Given an Arthur Bell floribunda rose which is beautifully flowering in pot. Should I overwinter outside in pot or plant out in garden? Alternatively should I repot it into larger pot then plant out in spring?
It was given as a golden wedding anniversary gift from a neighbour so I don’t want to lose it!
Congratulations on your 50th! If you are in zone 6 or colder, transplant the rose into the ground. Roots have far more protection in ground than above. You can simply dig a hole and pop the plant, pot and all, into the ground. Or you can place the plant on it's side after several early freezes and cover the roots and base with 6 inches of soil or compost. I suggest you do an internet search for "winterizing roses in [your state]". It is also important to keep the canes from whipping around in winter winds if they are 4 ft plus. Some advocate trimming the top 3rd of the plants and others suggest loosely tying the canes together.