Growing Rose Trees In Containers | The 6 Steps

Rose trees are landscape showpieces. These little beauties are normal rose bushes that are grafted onto the cane of a hardy rootstock chosen for desired attributes such as cold hardiness and disease resistance. Rose trees add a polished look to the landscape. For those of us who can’t plant or just like the look, planting a rose tree in a container is a great option. With the proper care you can maintain your prized rose tree with minimal care. Here we share the 6 steps to successfully growing rose trees in containers.

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1. Choose a planter a size larger than the pot your rose comes in. A 5 gallon pot is a good option that offers plenty of space without going too big and causing problems for your tree. A standard 5 gallon container is about 12 inches in diameter and 11 inches tall. Be sure the containers drains well.

2. Use a good quality potting mix when growing rose trees in containers.

3. Check your rose tree’s soil often. When a rose tree is planted in a pot the soil will dry out faster than in the ground. Test the soil by sticking your finger in about 2 inches to test the moisture. When the planting medium feels dry go ahead and water your roses deeply with a hose right on the soil. Watering over the leaves increases the chance of fungal infections.

4. Feed at least twice a year with a slow release fertilizer. Early spring and mid to late summer are ideal times to boost your rose trees.

5. When growing roses in containers in the coldest recommended growing zone for your particular rose tree, protect them in winter by moving them into an unheated garage or shed. Plants in containers do not have the root protection that plants in the ground have so they are not as cold hardy. Ex: If your rose tree is recommended for zones 5 to 9 it is more like 6 to 9 for growing in a pot with full outdoor year-round exposure.

6. When growing rose trees in containers be sure to prune lightly anytime to maintain shape or freshen up your rose tree. If heavy pruning is required do this in late winter or early spring.