How to Care for Roses

Get to know your rose

Roses range from compact patio plants to large shrubs, climbers and ramblers. Knowing which type you have is the starting point for pruning, spacing and support.

Choose a variety for the available space, light and the look you want. Look at mature height and spread as well as flower colour and fragrance. Browse our rose collections or ask the team to help you compare types.

Give it a good start

Choose a suitable, open position and prepare the ground so water can drain away. Follow the planting instructions supplied with your rose, especially the planting depth. Container-grown and bare-root plants need different handling.

Water after planting and keep an eye on the root area while the plant establishes. If you are replacing an old rose in the same spot, ask about preparing the site before replanting.

Water and feed with care

Water at the roots when needed, paying particular attention to recently planted roses and those in containers. Check the soil rather than relying on a fixed daily schedule.

Use a suitable rose feed at the rate and time stated on its label. Mulching can help conserve moisture and improve the soil, but keep mulch away from direct contact with the stems.

Prune for the type you grow

Remove dead or damaged growth with clean, sharp tools. Beyond that, pruning depends on the rose. Many bush roses are pruned in late winter or early spring, while climbing roses and once-flowering ramblers have different routines.

Climbing roses need support and tying in. Ramblers are generally pruned after flowering, so do not apply a bush-rose pruning routine to every rose. Bring the label or a photograph if you are unsure which you have.

Keep watching through the season

Deadhead repeat-flowering varieties where appropriate, or leave decorative hips if that is part of the plant’s appeal. Check stems, foliage and supports regularly.

If a plant develops spots, weak growth or a pest problem, identify the cause before treating it. Good growing conditions, appropriate watering and keeping fallen affected leaves cleared are useful first steps. Our horticultural team can advise on a particular plant.