Not long ago roses were grown in containers almost as a last resort, because the gardener had run out of space, but now the types of roses that are grown in pots for the long term include larger floribundas, hybrid teas and grandifloras, and even some of the modern shrub roses. Another important reason for growing roses in pots, which is becoming more popular each year, is to make it easier for the gardener/designer to assess the suitability of a new rose in the landscape.
Choose the Container
Most kinds of containers work well for roses, though most experienced gardeners have their favorites. The important requirements are that the container must be big enough to allow for proper root development and it must provide good drainage. It should also have a wide enough base to resist being blown over in a strong wind!
Pots made of terra cotta, glazed ceramic, plastic, wood or even (for short-term use) biodegradable fiber are the containers most often used, with the ubiquitous black plastic nursery pots leading the way. Take care not to use a saucer underneath the pot, which would be an invitation to root rot!
The size requirement is dictated by the anticipated mature size of the plant, of course, and it is better to err on the generous side. This also ensures that the pot will hold enough soil to avoid drying out too fast.
To accommodate a hybrid tea, large floribunda, grandiflora or shrub rose a 15-gallon pot is recommended. One of the smaller floribundas would be quite happy in a 10-gallon pot, while most miniatures fit well in the 4- or 5-gallon size. For temporary use, such as trying a new rose in the landscape, even the first group can be grown for a year or two in a 10-gallon pot.
Choose Planting Medium
Some rose growers insist on using a sterile soilless potting medium, with up to 50% Perlite added to lighten the mix and provide faster drainage. Others report success using a made-up mixture of, for example, 30% screened compost plus 30% Perlite plus 40% topsoil. To help root development superphosphate should be added to the mix (about ¼ cup for large pots, 1 tablespoon for smaller pots) and many rosarians also add a slow-release fertilizer.
For more detailed information on types of growing media, reflecting local availability, it is advisable to seek advice from your County Extension Office or a Consulting Rosarian living in your area.
Containerized Roses
Cultural practice for roses grown in pots is different in some ways. One obvious difference is frequency of watering. Because it is essential to provide fast drainage the soil can dry out very quickly, so that daily watering is necessary in hot weather; in fact smaller pots may need to be watered twice daily during very hot spells. This in turn means that fertilizer applied to the soil will leach out rapidly, so more frequent fertilizing is necessary for best performance.
It is advisable to change the soil every three years or so, by which time it is likely to show a buildup of soluble salts left by the fertilizer.. At the same time the roots should be inspected and trimmed back if the rose is becoming root-bound.
article by juwan
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