Roses reward a little attention with months of blooms and fragrance. Modern shrub and landscape roses are tougher than their reputation, and the key to success is simple: full sun, good airflow, deep watering and the right pruning at the right time. This page covers when to plant, spacing, care, pruning, common problems and how to enjoy the blooms.
Rose at a glance
| Type | Flower |
|---|---|
| Season | Perennial |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Plant spacing | 36 in |
| Row spacing | 36 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | At surface |
| Days to maturity | Blooms 6–10 weeks after planting |
| How to start | Plant bare-root roses in early spring while they are still dormant, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in fall in mild-winter areas. |
| Water | 1.5 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant rose
Plant bare-root roses in early spring while they are still dormant, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in fall in mild-winter areas. Potted roses can be planted any time the ground is not frozen, though spring after the last frost and early fall are easiest on the plant. Avoid planting in the heat of midsummer.
Check your growing zone to pick a rose hardy for your winters and use the frost dates by ZIP code tool to time planting.
How to plant rose
- Choose full sun and airflow. Roses need at least 6 hours of direct sun, with morning sun especially valuable because it dries dew and reduces disease. Avoid cramped, stagnant corners.
- Prepare the soil. Roses like rich, well-drained soil with a pH around 6.0 to 6.5. Dig in 2 to 3 inches of compost.
- Soak bare-root plants. Place roots in a bucket of water for several hours before planting.
- Set the depth carefully. In cold-winter areas, plant the bud union (the knob where the canes join the roots) about 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. In mild areas, keep it at or just above the surface. Spread roots over a mound of soil in the hole.
- Space generously. Set plants as in the table above. Crowding reduces airflow and invites disease.
- Water in and mulch. Water deeply, then add 2 to 3 inches of mulch, keeping it a few inches from the canes.
Caring for rose
Water deeply about once a week, giving roughly 1 to 2 inches of water, and more often in hot, dry spells. Water at the soil level, not on the leaves, preferably in the morning. The garden watering calculator turns this into gallons.
Feed in spring when new growth begins and again after the first flush of bloom, using a balanced rose fertilizer or compost. Stop feeding about six weeks before your first fall frost so growth can harden off. Deadhead spent flowers on repeat bloomers to encourage more blooms.
Prune in late winter or early spring, as buds begin to swell. Cut out dead, damaged, diseased and crossing canes, open the center of the plant for airflow, and cut healthy canes back by about a third to a half, just above an outward-facing bud. Wear thick gloves and long sleeves. For cold-climate winter care, see our guide on how to protect roses in winter.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Garlic, chives, lavender, catmint, alyssum, marigolds |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Large trees and shrubs whose roots compete for water and light |
Garlic and chives are traditionally planted near roses, and low flowers such as alyssum and catmint fill the base and draw pollinators and beneficial insects. Avoid planting under dense tree shade. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Black spot | Black spots with fringed edges on leaves, then yellowing and leaf drop | Water at the base, space plants for airflow, remove infected leaves and choose resistant varieties. See black spot on roses. |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery coating on new leaves and buds | Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering late in the day and prune out affected shoots. |
| Aphids | Clusters of small insects on buds and new growth | Rinse off with a strong spray of water or encourage ladybugs. See the pest identifier. |
| Japanese beetles | Chewed, skeletonized leaves and flowers in summer | Hand-pick into soapy water in the morning. |
| Rose rosette disease | Distorted red, thorny, bushy growth called witches\' broom | Remove and dispose of the whole plant, including roots, since the disease spreads and cannot be cured. |
| Spider mites | Tiny stippling and fine webbing on leaves in hot, dry weather | Spray leaves with water and keep plants from drought stress. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
Roses can be cut for the vase once flowers begin to open. Cut in the morning, choose stems with buds that are just starting to unfurl, and cut at an angle just above a leaf with five leaflets. Place stems in water right away and recut them under water.
Shrub and landscape roses often give three flushes of bloom from late spring to fall. Leave the last flowers in fall to form hips, which feed birds and signal the plant to prepare for winter. Rose petals and hips can be used in teas and jams if the roses were grown without pesticides.
Plan your rose
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant rose bushes?
Space rose bushes 36 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant rose bushes?
Plant roses so the bud union is 1 to 2 inches below the soil in cold-winter areas and at or just above the surface in mild areas.
How long do rose bushes take to grow?
Newly planted roses usually bloom in 6 to 10 weeks and then rebloom in flushes through the season, depending on the variety.
How much water do rose bushes need?
About 1.5 inches of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Water deeply about once a week, giving 1 to 2 inches, and water at the base in the morning.
When is the best time to plant roses?
Plant bare-root roses in early spring while dormant, and potted roses in spring after the last frost or in early fall. Avoid midsummer heat.
When should I prune roses?
Prune in late winter or early spring as buds begin to swell. Remove dead and crossing canes and cut healthy canes back by about a third to a half.