Transplant a Rose Bush

Question

Can I plant a rose bush in an old large metal wheelbarrow that was once used for mixing cement? There is dried cement in the wheelbarrow and wondering if the cement would damage the roots and plant. I think it would make an interesting planter. Need an experts advice. Thanks.

Answer 1

I have actually done this myself. I did spray paint the interior of the wheelbarrow with some black undercoating product that they typically use to spray on the underneath of some trucks and cars. I drilled 5 half inch drainage holes in the wheelbarrow down where the water would collect. Then put some 3/4 gravel in that same area to help allow for drainage and covered that with landscape fabric. Then filled the wheelbarrow up with some good bagged garden and potting soils. I like the EKO brand bagged soil that comes in a yellow fronted bag. I have purchased it at either Home Depot or Lowes here in Colorado. The rosebush I planted in mine was a lower growing floribunda type, as many of the hybrid tea and grandiflora rosebushes get real tall. With a limited root base depth I did not want the wind knocking it over and out. So I would advise checking on the growth habit of any rose you wish to plant in there. Placing some wooden mulch over the top of the soils is a good idea to help hole the moisture in the soils. I have also grown miniature rosebushes in old coal buckets, very similar setup to the wheelbarrow. Hope this helps you.

Stan The Rose Man
Consulting Rosarian
Gardening Know How