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Roses have had a reputation of being finicky and difficult to grow. This is an undeserved reputation on all counts. Roses require two things and if given those they will grow abundantly. Planting knockout roses brings to mind the real estate adage - "The three most important factors are location, location, location". The way you take delivery determines the steps to be taken prior to planting the bush but after that the only requirements are lots of sun and water. The difference between bare root and container rose bushes is that bare root bushes are dormant and container rose bushes are actively growing plants. The steps to planting knockout roses outlined here give the gardener the inside track to success.
Planting knockout roses rests heavily on selecting the right location for your bush. Roses want at least six hours of full sunshine. Morning sunshine is preferred over afternoon. Review your lot and make sure you are planning to place the rose where it is not overshadowed by trees, a fence or any other nearby structures. Take into account the different arc of the sun as summer progresses so your stationary rose bush will get the sunlight it needs to be healthy throughout the growing season. Also plant the bush far enough away from other plants will allow the air to circulate through and around each rose bush.
Planting Steps
When bringing a rose bush home in a container the planting process is quicker than when working with a bare root plant. After digging a hole 1 ½ by 1 ½ feet discard all but the top 8 inches of soil. Mix the top soil with an equal amount of compost and ½ of a cup of bone meal or phosphorous. Make sure all the roots are about 1 or 2 inches below the soil line and spread over a mound on the bottom of the hole. Refill the hole one third of the way and gently firm the soil around the roots. Finish filling the hole with the improved soil mixture and firm gently around the crown. Then mound soil loosely over the crown to a depth of 6 inches. Two inches of canes should show above the mound. After two weeks time gently wash the loosely mounded dirt from the plant base. New growth buds will break off easily so go slowly. Prune the canes back to 3 or 4 inches in height at an outward facing bud. Mulch the rose with 3 inches of cocoa hulls, bark or wood chips to keep the feeder roots protected from drying sun and wind. Water the newly planted rosebush well and keep the ground moist after planting knockout roses.
Bare root bushes need to be soaked in lukewarm water for at least 4 hours to rehydrate the dormant plant before you plant it. Adding biostimulants to the water may reduce shock and give your new rose bush a jump start to renewed growth.
Following the steps given will insure you are planting knockout roses. Locating your rose bushes with sun and shelter in mind makes a huge difference in the success of your efforts.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about flower gardens and gardening articles at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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