Planting Roses & Rose Care

The distinction between own-root and grafted roses is important because grafted roses are fundamentally less winter hardy than own-root roses.

Own-root - Own-root means that the root stock of the plant and the top of the plant are genetically identical. That is, they are of one plant.

Grafted - Grafted means that a portion of a branch of a rose with desirable aesthetic characteristics is grafted onto the stem of a hardier rose with less desirable growth characteristics. Once the graft has taken, the top of the hardier rose is pruned away, leaving the root stock of the hardier plant and the top of the more desirable plant.

Planting Roses

Choose a location with at least 6 hours of direct light and good air circulation.

1. Own-root Planting - Own-root roses should be planted like any shrub. Simply dig the hole twice the width of the pot and a couple of inches shallower than the soil in the container. Water it in and care for it as you would any shrub.
2. Grafted Planting
   There are two different schools of thought on how to plant grafted roses - those who prefer to plant the graft above grade and those who prefer to plant the graft below grade. Both methods are included below, however, Mulhall's recommends planting the graft above grade. Planting the graft above grade provides roses and other plants with better drainage in the tight clay soil we experience in Eastern Nebraska.
   1. Planting the graft above the grade
      Before digging a hole to plant a rose, examine the portion of the plant near the soil level within the container. All green tissue should be above grade. If any green tissue is buried, the rose was planted too deep in the pot and the extra soil must be removed. The bed should be tilled to a depth of 12". Add soil amendments (we recommend a mixture of Soil Pep and Omagro) and mix this into the deeply cultivated bed.

   2. Planting the graft below the grade
      Heavily amend the soil to a depth of two feet prior to planting. This is typically accomplished by a method called "double digging." "Double digging" involves removing the upper foot of soil and setting it aside, amending the next foot of soil, then adding back the original foot of soil with amendments (we recommend a mixture of Soil Pep and Omagro). The graft is then planted a couple of inches below grade.

Spacing Roses

In our climate roses should be planted 3' apart for better air circulation. This cuts down on disease and insect problems. Climbing roses should be planted far enough from a wall to clear the foundation footing by about 12 -15". They may be planted closer to a fence. The plants should be 4-5' apart.

Winter Preparation

Own-root - No special winter precautions are necessary.

Grafted - In the fall, following a hard freeze, the roses are cut back to 16-18", and the trimmings are disposed. The entire plant is then covered with hay, straw, or leaves. The covering material is removed in early spring after danger of severe frost is past.

Tree Roses - If the temperatures falls to 26-28º, in the late fall dig under half of the root system and lay the plant down and cover the entire plant with 4-5" of soil. In spring, after the soil thaws and danger of frost is past, remove the soil and set the plant upright once again. Water after replanting dislodged roots.

Climbing Roses - Prune off the diseased or dead canes and remove all older, gray canes. Any cane that produces flowers this year should always be removed as it will typically not produce flowers again. Tie them together and wrap them with cardboard or burlap, leaving the end open. Bend the covered tube of rose canes to the ground and place a rock or something heavy on the tube to hold it down. Next, cover the tube with a liberal amount hay, straw, or leaves. It is a good idea to put some soil over the root zone as well.

Rose Classification

Floribundas - Shorter plants about 3' tall, abundant smaller flowers in clusters all summer.

Hybrid Teas - Tall plants4-5', large blooms, singly on long stems.

Grandifloras - Up to 6' tall, similar to hybrid tea roses except flowers in clusters on shorter stems.

Tree Rose - Floribunda or hybrid tea grafted to a single tall cane. Elegant specimens, difficult to over-winter.

Climbers - Long canes may be trained on wall or trellis, most bloom in early summer on second year growth. Some new varieties will bloom on the first year's wood and sporadically through the summer, though less profusely than the old varieties.

Shrub Roses - Includes several types of bush or hedge roses which are suitable for general landscape use due to their lower maintenance requirements and hardiness

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