Roses are excellent plants for growing in pots. English Roses, with their shrubby, bushy habit are ideal for growing in large pots and containers. Unlike many other potted plants, English Roses will flower in fragrant flushes throughout the summer and into the autumn.

video tutorials for planting a rose in a pot or container

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How to plant a potted rose in a pot or container 

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How to plant a bare root rose in a pot or a container


We recommend following these guidelines:

  • We recommend using a pot with minimum internal dimension of 45 x 45cm (roughly 60 litres) to allow for an adequate depth of rich soil
  • Larger roses will need larger pots
  • Ensure the pot you choose has adequate drainage holes

YOU WILL NEED

GARDENING GLOVES          COMPOST SCOOP       SMALL BLOCKS OF POLYSTYRENE (for drainage)        LARGE POT         
A MIX OF JOHN INNES NO 3 COMPOST & GOOD QUALITY MULTI-PURPOSE COMPOST


How TO plant a rose in a pot

Step 1: Prepare your pot for planting

Start by placing blocks of polystyrene at the bottom of your pot; these will help the rose to drain adequately throughout the season. Next, begin to fill your pot with a mix of John Innes No. 3 Potting Compost and multi-purpose compost. As you fill the pot it’s important to use your hand to lightly press the compost so that you don’t get any air pockets. Carry on filling your pot until it is approximately halfway full.

Step 2: Position your rose in the pot

At this point it is important to check that your rose will fit nicely into the pot. Place your potted rose into the pot and note the difference in height between the rim of the pot and the union of your rose. Ideally, we’d like to see the union sitting a couple of inches below the rim of the pot.

Step 3: Fill-in around your rose with compost

Next, remove the rose from its container, ensuring you are wearing gardening gloves. We recommend tapping the sides of the pot which should ease the rose gently out, leaving the root structure undisturbed. Place your rose into the centre of the pot and continue to fill with your compost mix, firming the soil as you go. 

Step 4: Water your rose

Finally, give your newly planted rose a thorough watering, allowing moisture to penetrate the soil and roots.

WATERING: Roses in pots will require more frequent watering than roses planted in the ground.



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