Planting advice for a rooted rose

Question

I rooted a long stemmed rose from one my husband gave me in May. I am concerned about planting it. I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia and it is September 15. I am concerned because I know it is a tender plant and needs to go through a normal winter dormant season, and I realize at this late date, it may not get as much of a good hold in the ground prior to the end of autumn. It can get really cold, so I was wondering what precautions I could take to protect it during the winter months. I had considered planting it nearer to the house on the south end, so that it would not be pounded by northern winds. Would it be possible to plant the rose–container and all–until spring, so as not to disturb the new roots, and then give it a permanent home when planting season starts? I welcome any advise you can give. Thank you.

Answer 1

You really kind of answered your own question here. 🙂 I would plant the new rosebush container and all in the ground up close to the house and it sounds like the south end would be a grand spot to protect it from the harsh winds. Plant it so that the top edge of the container is at least 2 inches below the ground level around the planting area. Then once it gets a hard frost, mound some garden soils around the bush and a good 6 to 8 inches up onto the cane or canes. Place some shredded wood mulch over the mounded dirt and water it lightly. The mulch will help hold the mounding in place so that winter snows and winds do not erode it away.

One thing you should know. Many roses are what is called grafted rosebushes. The hardy root system of another strong and hardy rose is grafter onto the desired rose top part. This is done because the desired roses can be a bit wimpy on its own root system and would not survive harsh weather. So even with the best of care, your rosebush could succumb to the winters harshness. It is no fault of your own if it does not survive, it just was not strong enough on its own root system. The planting it deeply and mounding it gives you the best hope of its survival. If it does live, we will do the happy happy rose dance come Spring! If not, there is always finding the rose on the market and planting that rosebush. I hope all goes very well for you. I just do not want you to blame yourself if she does not survive. Here is to hoping she survives and gives you some nice Bloom Smiles come Spring and Summer!