Garden Studios

THANKS to container growing, it is easy to plant roses at any time of year, even in full bloom, but those which might be sold between now and the top of March as ‘bare root’ plants, freshly dug up from nursery rows without soil clinging to the roots, should not only conveniently established, but will also be more attractively priced.

They also are prone to form a neater root system than container-grown roses, which may sometimes be reluctant to push out roots from a congested root ball. A bare root plant must root outwards to anchor and feed itself and so has an actual incentive to form a considerable root system, in place of counting on the roots which are already established in the root ball.

Added to this, you could find a miles greater selection of varieties if you purchase bare-root plants by mail order from a consultant grower, and poring over the catalogues on an autumn evening is one in every of life’s greatest pleasures.

Order quickly, and once you receive the plants, bury their roots in a spare patch of ground until you’re ready to plant. In case you do plant them, choose a sunny spot in earth that was enriched with a lot of well-rotted garden compost or manure.

When it involves planting depth, the knobbly union between the stems of the variability and the rootstock of briar could be at or fractionally below the skin of the soil to make for stability. Plant it too high and there’s a danger of wind rock, causing the bush to become unstable.

Hybrid teas and foribundas could be pruned quite hard after planting – back to between four and 6 inches above ground. With shrub roses, do not be so drastic. Make your cuts a couple of foot above soil level – always pruning to an outward-facing bud (in the event you can see one) in order that when the shoots grow they stand an opportunity of manufacturing a shapely goblet-shaped bush.

You’ll seldom ought to water in a rosebush planted at present of year, but sprinkling a root growth stimulant within the bottom of the opening is usually a good option, as is mulching the skin of the soil after planting with a 2-inch layer of chipped bark, well-rotted garden compost or manure. this may seal in moisture and decrease weed growth.

So, why not treat yourself to 3 of the nation’s favourite flowers over the following couple of months? Don’t miss Alan’s gardening column today and each day within the Daily Express. For additional information on his range of gardening products, visit alantitchmarsh.com.