Spring is finally here, and it’s time to think about planting potted rose bushes. They make a beautiful addition to all backyards. They’re also a fine thing to plant in Spring, especially if you missed your chance to get a rose garden going earlier in the year. To get started now, you must prepare a hole for your potted roses. Preferably, the spot you pick should have soil that’s rich in organic manner. It should also get at least six hours of sunlight a day. Once that’s settled, dig a hole as deep as the container you bought your rose in and twice as wide. With your fingers, loosen the sides and bottom of the hole you just made. This is necessary so that the roots can head outward and downward when they’re ready.

Prepare the potted roses

Now that your hole is set, it’s time to prepare the rose itself. Add water to the potted plant until you see water pouring out through the bottom. This signals that the roots have been properly watered.  Cut off any damaged stems, flowers and buds. Be careful not to snap off any good foliage. Now remove the potted rose from its container using, if needed, a flat item like a ruler or butter knife to loosen the plant from the pot.

Plant the rose plant

After the rose is removed from the pot, place the rose bush into the hole. Using the soil you dug out, fill in any spaces you see. It may help to use the back of a garden tool to pack the soil in. Next, water the plant until the root mass is wet. Be careful not to let any water touch the rose foliage. Use organic mulch and spread it 3 inches deep over the area, making sure to keep it a few inches away from the plant itself. From here on out, you’ll need to water the bush at least once a week.

Using garden shears, cut off any dead or broken branches you see on your newly transplanted rose bush. This process, referred to as pruning, is great for the health of the plant. Since you’re removing dead and diseased stems, new growth is stimulated.  Pruning also helps with flowering and larger blooms. When buds begin to swell, it’s time to get started.  This is a sign that roses are ending their dormant stage and will soon be blooming.

Maintenance

And remember to keep watching your rose bush for signs of diseased or dead wood and remove that section immediately. For additional strong blooms, cut off flowers once they begin to fade before the rose hip behind the flower head begins to swell.