For years, I’ve told myself that I can’t grow roses. Too difficult. Too expensive to kill. But sigh….roses are beautiful!
Time to turn a new leaf. Not only do I grow roses, but I am growing them in pots! It’s everything I hoped for and more, as roses can bloom well in containers.
A rose patio pot is the perfect companion. Strong and silent, boasting brilliant blooms. Not to mention the sensational scent of many roses!
Roses planted in the ground can seem diminutive. But in a tall planter, blooms are elevated to eye level.
Growing roses is essential for flower arrangements. Nothing replaces the look of a rose, although dahlias come close.
While I may never become an expert rose grower, I have become a successful one.
Here are my tips to prove that you don’t have to be a master gardener to grow roses with ease.
Why grow roses in pots?
There are five reasons to consider growing roses in pots over planting in the ground.
First is soil type. My yard has heavy, clay soil, and roses don’t prefer clay soil. Planting in pots allows total soil control. Roses also like slightly acidic soil, between 6.0 and 7.0, ideally 6.5.
It’s best to test your soil pH before planting a rose in either a pot or in the ground. If the soil is too acidic or too alkaline, rose roots can’t absorb nutrients from the soil, even if there are sufficient nutrients, and thus won’t thrive.
Secondly, growing in pots allows one to change location easily, as pots can be moved. Since I couldn’t decide where I wanted to plant my roses, I like the flexibility of growing in pots before committing long-term to the ground.
It was a concern that I’d pick a spot with low visibility, and I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the blooms as much. I was also uncertain if the location would get the required 6-8 hours of sun each day that roses need.
I planted my first two roses in pots and will move them to a sunnier spot if needed. Pots have allowed me to test the location before making final plans.
More reasons to grow roses in pots…
Thirdly, growing in pots allowed me to winterize the roses more easily. I garden in zone 6b. Winter is cold!
I didn’t want my new plants to face harsh winters in their first season. Growing in pots allows me to store the roses in my unheated sunroom come winter, where temps stay above 20 degrees F.
A fourth reason to grow roses in pots is the deer, rabbits, squirrels, and even birds that eat roses. A rose grown in a container closer to the house is more protected than one in a far-out garden bed.
Animals are a little more timid and hesitant to approach one’s patio or climb up deck steps than devour roses grown in an open space.
If I spot deer in my yard during the day, I cover my roses at night with a sheet or box for extra caution.
Finally, if you have a tiny yard or no yard and live in an apartment or condo, pot growing may be the only way to enjoy a blooming rose on your balcony or patio.
Insider Tip….Buy a pH soil tester. They are cheap, and you will use this tiny gadget many times each year from spring to fall. Blueberries, azaleas, hydrangeas, roses, rhododendrons, and more. It’s essential to test the soil’s pH.
What type of pot is best for a rose?
The first consideration is drainage. One drainage hole is good. Several drainage holes are better. While roses need lots of water, plants submerged in water encourage disease, not to mention festering pests. And roses hate wet feet.
If the holes are too big to start, line the bottom of the pot with non-colored newspaper or cardboard, both of which will decompose over time.
A pot shouldn’t be too big or too small. Sticking a baby rose in a huge pot to stave off transplanting later is a bad idea.
Here’s a good rule of thumb. A 3-4 gallon container is ideal for a 1 gallon rose plant, and a 5-7 gallon container is good for repotting a 3 gallon rose plant. The key is to offer enough space for the rose’s growth.
With roses, it’s better to err on the side of being a tad too big than a tad too small. You don’t want to be forced to repot right away, disturbing roots and growth.
Taking the rose plant out of the grower’s pot is the time to examine the roots. If you see circling roots or roots sticking out of the bottom of the grower’s pot, the plant is root-bound. This tells you that the container the rose was growing in was too small, and a bigger pot is required.
Gently loosen and untangle the roots with your fingers before planting. This will encourage thick, strong roots to spread onward and outward.
Speaking of soil requirements…
It’s likely that most rose growers plant them in the ground. So it would seem logical to use garden soil in your pots, but don’t.
Since you can control the soil in pots, you might as well use this to your advantage. And who knows what pests are lurking in that garden soil?
Besides, quality organic potting soil purchased from the local garden center has many advantages. First off, it will have much better drainage than garden soil.
Secondly, purchased potting soil will have good moisture retention, and thirdly, it’s lightweight. So it won’t get compact with daily watering. Please don’t cut corners on the potting soil!
Another way to improve soil is to add perlite and compost, mixing both well. I make my compost but buy perlite.
Perlite improves the soil structure and helps with drainage, aeration, and moisture retention. It’s a soil amendment, helping to prevent compaction, improve airflow, and provide roots with oxygen and water.
How to fertilize roses in pots
Roses are heavy feeders. While I prefer natural products like liquid fish fertilizer and highly recommend it for vegetable plants, especially tomatoes, it’s on the weaker side for potted roses. Plus, it’s stinky!
So while I still give my potted roses a good dose of liquid fish fertilizer weekly, I add artificial fertilizer as well.
Artificial, slow-release liquid fertilizers are a solid choice for potted roses. Growing in a restricted area, roses are dependent on us to supply nutrients, unlike growing in open garden soil.
Avoid fast-release granular fertilizers, because they tend to burn rose roots.
Another reason to avoid using granular fertilizer in pots is that it doesn’t flush out of the pot as quickly as liquid fertilizer. The fertilizer buildup eventually creates a toxic soil environment. Bleh.
The trend seems to be leaning toward liquid fast-release fertilizers. But a lot depends on what type of fertilizer is available in your area and what is economical.
Similar to the concept of watering, it’s better to underfertilize than to overfertilize, especially if burning your plants is a concern. It’s best to start slow, see how your roses respond, and adjust accordingly.
Be most careful fertilizing baby roses. Those tiny, sensitive roots are most vulnerable to excessive fertilizers.
What types of roses thrive in pots?
Not all roses lend themselves to the container life. Certain types work better than others.
Roses that grow well in pots
- Gallicas
- Portlands
- Chinas
- Teas
- Polyanthas
- Bourbons
- Rugosas
- Floribundas
- Most “modern shrub roses”
Roses that shouldn’t be grown in pots
- Hybrid perpetuals
- Hybrid teas
- Grandifloras
- Some of the leggier floribundas
If you are nervous about rose choice, you can’t go wrong with a miniature rose. Also, climbing roses come in many varieties and look stunning in a pot. Think yellow rose climbing up a white trellis on a brick wall.
Best Rose Website?! Hands down, go to www.helpmefind.com for the ultimate rose “cheat sheet.” Find detailed info about any rose before purchasing to make sure it’s the right choice for you!
Growing roses in pots in a cold climate & winter protection
I garden in zone 6b, where temperatures dip low in winter. January and February in particular are brutal for plants. Even my houseplants suffer!
If you choose to grow roses in pots in a colder climate, you must consider how you will protect them in winter when they are most susceptible.
When temperatures in your area dip below 20 degrees F. (-6 degrees Celsius) for an extended period, action must be taken. Rose plants in pots that are exposed to those frigid overnight temperatures for months on end must get shelter from the cold.
Failure to do so will cause damage to the root system of the plant, and the plant could easily die over winter.
It’s possible that an established rose plant in a 10-20 gallon pot can withstand cold snaps. Just consider that huge pots are more difficult any heavy to move.
Since I’m growing first-year, 3-gallon rose plants in 5-gallon pots, they will go in my unheated sunroom.
But a shed, garage, outbuilding, or even up against a sheltered fence or up near the house can work equally well to protect potted roses from extreme cold.
Only bring roses inside if you must. Roses are still better off outdoors with the increased air circulation.
I have roses on my list of things I want to grow. They look so beautiful and smell amazing
Roses were my Mother’s favorite flowers. In fact, her name was Rose!
Love the double red knockout tree.
Roses in pots would be great as they could be moved for various occasions or parties. They give the look of grace and beauty.
what a great idea!!!
I definitely want to grow some roses. They are my favorite flowers. Thanks for all of the great tips.
I definitely would like to grow some roses. Thanks for all the tips. Roses are some of my favorite flowers.
I miss roses, I grew up with roses all around. My grandma always had them on the side of her house. You know it’s funny the things u take for granted until there gone. I will say though lilacs were my absolute favorite, the boutique would make the entire room smell amazing when you walk in.
This sounds like a great way to grow roses. I do live in an area where we have cold winters.
I love roses!! I have never tried planting them in pots before, but I will try it now. We have some that grow up the side of our house and they are so beautiful.
There are so many types of beautiful roses to grow.
Can’t wait until I have more time to garden!
I don’t always have the best luck with roses, but haven’t tried any in containers.
I have a few beautiful rose bushes. They are classic and beautiful.
Never thought to grow roses in a pot. Thanks for the info! Will definitely look to try it soon!
Love the Orange Glow rose – so pretty!
My Mom grew beautiful roses. I am trying to learn!
I love roses, they remind me of my Grandma π
I have never tried to grow roses in my yard, but I think I am ready to try! They are so beautiful! Thank you for this wonderful blog!
I have a few rose bushes, but would love to have a few different ones to add to the garden. My mom’s rose garden was so beautiful. I’ve always loved roses.
Wow! Love all the varieties of roses, especially that orange glow rose!
I just recently got some Double Knock Out Roses and I have been debating to keep them in a pot or not. This blog helped me. Thanks for all of the good info!!
My best friend for over 50 years LOVES roses and grows a lot of them on her large apartment balcony.
I love roses but not the red ones because they are so common.
I love roses!
This is news to me!
I had a climbing rose bush that was spectacular but have never been able to get one to grow like that one
I love roses! I have a Frida Khalo one and a dark purple one that is my favorite.
I’ve been grateful for the reliable expertise you’ve provided in the past. Coincidentally we were planning to grow roses here at our new home, so I’m excited your timely rose growing tips popped up! Thank you.
So many lovely colors of roses besides red!
Thank you for the reasons and tips about growing roses in pots!
I have never thought of growing roses in pots, so I love this idea and information about it! Thank you!
I love antique roses!
I can’t wait to start growingRose’s. Thanks for all the tips
Beautiful!!π
thanks for the great info!!
Laura, thank you for your informative rose growing instructions, including helpful tips & tricks! I adore roses!
I love my roses. I do not have any in pots tho.
I absolutely love roses, especially tea roses, but I have a hard time getting them to survive…
Roses are beautiful. Thank you for the helpful tips!
I planted a knock out rose bush about 10 years ago in my heavy clay soil. I didn’t do anything special to it. I would toss my coffee grounds around it occasionally. It blooms nicely. I was wondering why the pretty roses have absolutely no odor. I love the smell of roses but mine don’t have any scent at all. They are also a magnet for Jap. beetles that I have to knock off in a tub of soapy water.
Makes a lot more sense to do roses rather than annuals
I love roses, the yellow is my favorite!!
So beautiful! Maybe these tips will help me and my sad roses!
Roses are beautiful
The roses are so beautiful. Can only imagine how great they smell. Love the orange glow rose!
Theses are very pretty
Really great information! I never considered growing roses in pots. Will definitely look for an opportunity to do so soon.
I haven’t had great luck with roses. I live way north though. The miniatures may last a few years. So I rather plant something hardy to my zone.
This sounds like a great way to raise roses. Can’t wait to try.
I love roses. They come in so many colors.
I haven’t had much luck in growing roses. This article is giving me the knowledge and motivation to try again. Thank you!
I like roses in other people’s gardens, they are beautiful, but I always get caught on the thorns or they get bugs and they just aren’t one of my favorites to have in my own garden. But they sure are beautiful
Awesome tips! I love roses!
Never even thought about growing my roses out of a pot. Thanks for the tips! Will keep that in mind next time I purchase a new rose plant.
I love roses. I’ve just never had a green thumb. This was a delightful article.
I would have never thought about planting roses in pots. I grew some in the ground back in the day but have veered away from them lately. Looks like I’ll be making a trip to the garden center real soon!
roses not red
roses are or not red
I’ve never had any luck with roses. This blog gives me hope!
Roses are my favorite.
My Mom could grow any kind of roses. She helped me take care of mine when I lived close by. I do still have one rose bush left that every time it blooms, it makes me smile thinking her. I picture her growing beautiful roses in Heaven.
Roses are gorgeous flowers and I have tried several times to grow some, Sadly, I have never had much success.
Thanks for all the wonderful tips! I loveeee the Lemon Fizz Rose πππ
I love Roses so much that I named my cat after them!