Planting roses from Jackson and Perkins

Question

I live in LaGrange, KY…moved less than a year ago. I ordered roses that I’ve had before and knew I wanted. But I don’t know anything about this area, about 30 minutes northeast of Louisville. I’m not sure if it is too early to plant the roses. I’m not sure what my soil is…although I suspect there is A LOT of clay. We need to create a space for the roses…should we remove the sod, then mix top soil (or potting soil) in with the existing soil?

I’ve purchased Veteran’s Honor, Mardi Gras, and John F Kennedy. Veteran’s Honor appears to be a rose tree rather than a bush, if that makes any difference. I don’t necessarily expect to see a lot of roses this year, but I want to give these plants a reasonably good start, so that next year I can see some really spectacular roses. I have instructions that came with the plants, but am just not sure that I know enough to do this successfully.

Answer 1

Thanks for the great questions. Since you have had roses before it is really not so different where you are now, I would go to the American Rose Society website look for a Consulting Rosarian in your area. They will be able to give you the best actual Area specifics you need. I am in Colorado so would not be familiar with your area. I do have articles published on the Gardening Know How Website for help with planting rosebushes and their care. Here is one such article link for you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/roses/planting-rose-bushes.htm . If you do a search once at the website for Rose Man Stan, many of my article links will come up for you to read.