Where to Plant Your Roses
There are four considerations to keep in mind when you are choosing a spot in the garden to plant a
rose; exposure to sun and to wind, type of soil, and neighboring plants.
Sun – Roses should receive at least six hours of full sun a day. In areas with intense summer heat,
they will appreciate some shade in the afternoon when the sun is hottest. A rose will grow in shade,
but it will be spindly and unattractive, and it will produce fewer blossoms. The plant’s susceptibility
to rust and powdery mildew also increases in shade.
Wind – Don’s plant roses in exposed locations where they will be subjected to prevailing strong
winds. Wind damages blossoms and causes rapid evaporation of moisture from the foliage, making it
necessary to water the plants more often. Consider planting trees or shrubs to shield your roses if
you have a windy site.
Soil – Roses do best in slightly acid soil, but generally they will grow reasonably well in all but the
most extreme soil types. The soil must be well drained and at the same time retain moisture for use
by the roots. If you don’t have well-drained soil in your garden, either bring in new soil and create a
raised bed or amend the soil to create better drainage. A hillside provides good drainage and helps to
show off the roses, too. Make terraces, with a path on each terrace for tending and admiring the
roses.
Competition – Roses should bot be planted too close to large trees or shrubs whose roots will
compete with them for water and nutrients. If you need to, bury header boards 2 to 3 feet below the
surface to keep the tree or shrub roots from encroaching on the roses. Some of the larger shrub
roses do not need this protection, because they develop extensive root systems.
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