Are you just getting started on your gardening journey and looking for a special flower to add to your garden? Then David Austin roses are perfect for you! These exquisite blooms will bring new life into any outdoor space, making them an ideal choice for the novice gardener. Not only are they stunningly beautiful, but with proper care they can last many years in any climate or growing space. From their fragrant petals to the way they turn heads wherever they bloom, these unique flowers have captivated gardeners from around the world. Now it’s time for you to find out why – so come join us as we take a deeper look into true delights of planting your own rose garden with David Austin roses!

When to plant your rose

For David Austin bare root roses to thrive in their environment and grow strong within their first year it is important to get them in the ground before the gardening season is in full swing. Your bare root rose needs to be planted within 2 days of receiving it. If you are not able to plant it in the ground, you can always start your bare root rose in a container indoors. This will allow you to still be able to enjoy your rose in the first year. The biggest thing to remember is not plant your rose when the ground is still frozen, waterlogged, or in drought conditions.

What do you need to plant your Rose

You only need a few simple items to plant your David Austin rose. For the basics you will need a bucket, spade, gardening fork, good quality soil or compost, and either stakes or canes for support. 

Planting your David Austin Rose

Now for the fun part! Planting your David Austin rose is not hard to do. In just a few hours you can have your rose in and ready to start growing. Just follow the simple steps below.

Step 1: Rehydrate your rose

This first step takes the longest but make sure you don't skip it over because it is one of the most important. When you receive the rose, take it out of the box right away. Trim off 1/2" of the root tips and canes with pruners. Give it a good soak in a bucket of water for 2 hour - overnight. It is important to soak the whole rose and not just the roots as the rose has been laying dormant and needs a good rehydration.

Step 2: Dig a hole and Prep the it for planting

Now that you are ready to plant your bare root rose, it is time to find the perfect location and start planting. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 4 hours of sun per day. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root system (generally about 16" wide by 16" deep). Make sure to loosen up the soil at the bottom of the hole before planting your rose so that the roots can move freely and access water and nutrients more easily. If you are finding the soil heavy, add in some peat moss and compost to help give your rose good growing conditions. We also find that giving the hole a good little water before planting your rose helps the to stay hydrated and removes dry air pockets.

Step 4: Planting

It is finally time to plant up your David Austin Rose! Positioning is a key element to your roses success. Create a small mound at the bottom of your hole and drape the roots around the mound. The bud union (the point on the rose where all the shoots emerge out of the roots) should be at ground level. Once in position you can fill in the hole with the original soil. Next firm in the rose by lightly pressing down on the soil around directly around the rose.  If you are in colder climates you can position the bud union 1" below soil level and cover with a some mulch for extra protection. 

Step 5: Water and Watch it Grow

The final step in the process is to give your rose a good amount of water and set it off on its way to grow and produce beautiful blooms. Make sure you water your rose regularly to keep the soil moist and not soggy. Regular watering is key in the first season to help establish your rose in the garden.

Quick Tip: Don't fertilize your rose for the first couple of months. The fertilizer can burn the new roots as they get established and hinder your roses growth for the long run. 

For all our David Austin Rose tips for success check out our other blog here.

And that's it. In just a few hours your rose is set and ready to start growing. Set reminders to water your David Austin Rose all summer long to ensure you get the best looking rose bush and blooms! If you have any questions about planting your roses feel free to reach out to us, we are here to help and want you to succeed! Happy Planting!