Plant Instructions For Bare-Root Roses
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Step 1: Prepare Your Plant
· As soon as you receive your bare-root rose, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4 to 6 hours (but no longer than 12 hours) to rehydrate them.
· Using clean pruning shears, trim any broken or damaged roots to healthy tissue. Also, prune any excessively long roots to about 0.5-1inch to encourage new growth.
Step 2: Choose the Right Location
· Select a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
· Make sure the soil drains well and isn’t prone to waterlogging. Avoid low spots where water pools.
Step 3: Prepare the Planting Hole
· Dig a hole about 18 inches wide and 18 inches deep.
· Mix some compost or well-rotted manure into the soil you removed to enrich the planting area.
Step 4: Plant Your Rose
· Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole.
· Spread the roots evenly around the mound, gently fanning them out.
· Place the rose so that the graft union (the swollen area near the base of the stems) is about 2 to 3 inches below soil level (this protects it from frost).
· Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it down as you go to remove air pockets.
Step 5: Water Thoroughly
· Water the rose deeply after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
· Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) during the first growing season as the rose establishes itself.
Step 6: Mulch and Care
· Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the stems to prevent rot.
· Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
· Regularly check for pests and diseases and prune dead or damaged canes as needed.
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Plant Instructions For Potted Roses
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Container Planting Guidelines:
Pick an appropriately sized pot, either 1 gallon or 2- gallons, ensuring larger options do not exceed 3 gallons initially. Gently transfer your plant from its original pot to the chosen pot. Give it a good drink, making sure the soil is nice and moist. In the beginning, find a spot with 4-6 hours of sunlight for your potted rose, gradually increasing the exposure to full sun over the week.
In-Ground Planting Tips:
For in-ground planting, dig a hole that's about 2 feet by 2 feet, making sure it's both deep and wide. Swap out the soil for some nutrient-rich garden soil. Pop your plant into the hole, making sure it's just right, and water it generously to help it settle into its new home.
Post-Planting Care:
After planting, water the soil slowly, waiting 30 minutes before giving it another sip. Put your rose in a sunny spot with good airflow. If the midday sun gets too intense, give it some shade.
Special Considerations for Shipped Roses:
Roses that have been on a journey might be a bit dry. It's normal if the leaves turn a bit yellow. Just make sure to water it.
Understanding Your Roses:
Remember, even if you start with identical baby roses, they might grow at different rates. Size variations are inherent and influenced by the diverse characteristics and growth habits inherent to different plant varieties.
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Growing Tips
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Sunlight:
Roses thrive in well-lit environments and require sunlight throughout all seasons. A minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight per day is essential. Insufficient sunlight can result in excessive leaf growth without flowering. Even if buds form, inadequate sunlight may lead to dull colors and diminished fragrance upon blooming.
Temperature:
Roses prefer a cool and warm climate, exhibiting sensitivity to high temperatures. Elevated temperatures can cause certain varieties to experience color changes, lighter hues, reduced flower size, fewer petals, and a shorter blooming period.
Watering:
When watering roses, it is crucial to maintain a cycle of wet and dry soil. Avoid prolonged periods of dryness and ensure thorough watering. Roses are susceptible to root rot if exposed to stagnant water, a primary cause of their demise. Adequate watering during summer prevents root desiccation. In winter, maintaining semi-moist conditions is sufficient.
Fertilization:
Due to the recurrent flowering cycle, roses have a high nutrient demand and require frequent fertilization. During the growing season, approximately every 10-15 days, apply water-soluble fertilizer as per the instructions, avoiding overuse to prevent fertilizer burn. After the blooming period, supplement with 1-2 applications of slow-release fertilizer. Refrain from fertilizing during winter dormancy. In hot and dry conditions, halve the concentration of fertilizer and water.
Soil:
For ground planting, select well-draining locations with great sunlight and good air circulation. Consider replacing the soil with slightly acidic garden soil with a pH level within the recommended range.
Pest and Disease Control:
Regularly apply protective fungicides and insecticides as a preventive measure. Prevention is more effective than treatment when it comes to pests and diseases.
Flowering Conditions:
Adequate sunlight, good ventilation, sufficient water and nutrients, coupled with proper pruning, are key factors for inducing flowering in roses.
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