1 day Ago By Melanie Kaidan
Roses are hardy plants , but they require specific conditions to thrive , so it’s important to take many factors into account before planting them. Whether you're planting new roses or relocating an old bush, many gardeners make the mistake of not considering key factors like competition, exposure, and sunlight. That’s why Liam Beddall, Senior Rose Consultant at David Austin Roses, shared exclusively with Express.
co.uk his expert advice on finding the "perfect place" for your roses and avoiding common mistakes that can stunt their growth. One of the first questions many gardeners ask is whether it's okay to plant new roses in an old rose bed.
According to Beddall, the answer is yes, but with a caveat: “English Roses are remarkably resilient, so you can plant new roses in an old rose bed. “They are heavy feeders, though, so we recommend removing as much soil as possible and replacing it with topsoil or soil from a part of your garden that has not grown roses before to ensure the new plant gets all the nutrients it needs to thrive.” Location matters more than you might think when it comes to planting roses, with Beddall highlighting that one of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is planting roses too close to other plants.
“The closer you plant your rose to other plants, the more competition there is for moisture and sunlight,” he explained. “For best results, plant your rose three feet (one metre) away from other plants and two feet (60cm) from other roses. Avoid planting a rose under an overhanging tree branch.
” Another common mistake is choosing a location that is too exposed to strong winds, with the expert warning: “Strong winds can cause the base of the rose to loosen in the soil. “This will result in your rose rocking in the wind, which will lead to it growing at an angle and, in extreme cases, could even kill it.” To fix this, he suggests firming the soil around your rose or adding a stake, if necessary, to ensure everything stays in place.
Sunlight is another vital factor for rose health. Bedall stressed: “Most roses thrive in direct sunlight. For best results, a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight is recommended.
” Even in less ideal conditions, like a north-facing wall, roses can still perform well as long as they get some sunlight throughout the day..
