November is almost here, and with it we have the nights drawing in and the weather turning colder.

Some may think that their garden is turning down for the winter, and there is little to do. BUT! Did you know that November is actually the best time of year to actually plant your roses?

There are several reasons for this:

  • November marks the beginning of the bare root season. This is when you can buy roses without a pot or container, ready for planting directly into the garden. We choose to supply our roses as potted roses – we believe it makes a more attractive gift, plus it is more versatile as it can stay in the pot for at least a year, and immediate planting is therefore not necessary. However, bare root roses were a traditional way to establish a garden of roses, and as such is still popular from November through to March.
  • The ground is naturally at its best for planting. Still fairly warm, and unlikely to have become waterlogged or frozen this early into the winter.
  • The ground is also soft – making the digging an easier task for you!
  • Roses have finished flowering and have had leaf fall. This makes it easier to handle the plant, and you won’t have to worry about damaging the new growth or blooms.
  • It gives plenty of time for the rose to establish its root system over winter. Roses put energy into growing underground in winter, and overground from spring. Planting at the beginning of winter means the rose can establish healthy and sturdy roots – a great base for a healthy and happy plant come springtime!
  • Less watering work for you in the spring time! From about May, roses need regular watering. A general guide for this is new roses (3 months or less) should watered twice a week, established (4 months or more) every other week, and potted and containerised roses every other day. This schedule increases when the weather gets warmer too! So by planting your rose in November, you will have an “established” rose rather than a “new” rose – meaning less watering!

This is relevant for all planting situations. Whether you have a new rose you wish to plant, an established rose that you want to move to elsewhere (technical term: transplant), a potted rose that you finally want to put in the ground, or a potted rose that you want to upgrade to a bigger pot.

rose planting

For more detailed information on how to plant a rose, see our advice page How to Plant Roses.

For year round rose care advice, take a little look at our blog post called Rose Care Calendar.

Not ready for planting in November? All is not lost!

Our potted roses can be planted all year round (although not recommended if the soil is frozen, waterlogged or in drought). They would also be very happy to stay in their containers, or in other patio pots, as long as you water them well in the summer months.

Take a look at all the wonderful roses we have to offer, and send a living gift today!

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