While it is not the ideal time to plant your roses, you can still plant during the summer months with adequate watering and care. To help your rose establish itself this summer, here are a few tips to follow:
- Choose the Right Time: Wait for a cooler week during the summer to plant your rose. Early morning or late afternoon on cooler days will help reduce transplant shock.
- Watering: Ensure the rose is well-watered before planting. Soak the pot thoroughly so the root ball is moist. After planting, water deeply again to help establish roots and prevent transplant shock.
- Planting Location: Choose a spot with well-draining soil and at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.
- Soil Preparation: Mix in organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
- Planting: Gently remove the rose from its pot, loosening the roots if they are tightly bound. Place it in the hole, ensuring the bud union (the swollen part where the stems meet the roots) is just above the soil level. Backfill with soil, firming it gently.
- Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer after planting to provide essential nutrients. Consider using a rose-specific fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and blooming.
- Mulching: Add a layer of mulch around the base of the rose to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Ongoing Care: Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Deep watering is preferable to encourage deep root growth.