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With the exception of large climbers, most roses can be grown
successfully in containers. It is important that the container be large
enough to provide ample space for the roots; also to have good drainage,
good soil and a location with adequate light and air circulation. The
container may be plastic or clay. Plastic fares better in cold climates
where freezing may actually crack clay containers. Clay containers do
provide a cooler condition for the roots during hot weather. If choosing
plastic, it is better to obtain the lighter terra-cotta color rather
than the darker plastics, as they heat up faster. When met with these
requirements one can grow miniatures right through roses that can attain
a height and spread of up to five feet.It is important that bush roses and small shrub roses be placed in containers no less than 15 inches in diameter. They will do well there for about two years and then will need transplanting. Roses in containers tend to deplete the soil of its nutrients more rapidly than if they were in the ground. Often they will also outgrow their containers and need a larger home. In this case one can provide the rose with a container one or two sizes up from the previous one.
To prepare a container for the rose to be planted in, place a layer about one inch deep of gravel or other medium sized rocks in the bottom of the container. This serves as drainage and prevents the soil from becoming too compressed at the bottom. Next, to prepare the soil, combine one third good quality commercial potting soil, one third well- aged garden compost (if this is not available then substitute more of the potting soil) and one third well-composted mushroom or steer manure. You may wish to add an extra cup of perlite to the mix to enhance drainage. It is beneficial to the rose to add one cup of bone meal to the soil. To increase the nutrient level, fish meal and blood meal may be added. Roses are heavy feeders, as they need fertile conditions to produce many blooms over the growing season.
Fill the container about two-thirds full with the soil mix. Place the
rose, with its roots spread out comfortably, over the slightly mounded
soil. Then fill in around the rose with the remaining earth. Press down
gently and firmly around the protruding canes. The soil surface should
be level with the bud union (where the rose is grafted onto the
rootstock). If the rose seems too deep in the container or the soil
level is well below the brim of the pot, repeat the planting procedure.
The soil will compress somewhat with time and the entire contents will
sink somewhat in the container. It is advisable to fill the container
right to the top. Water so that the contents are well saturated.
Containers dry out more quickly than soil in the ground; it is important
to water container roses often, especially during long periods of
drought and heat. A quick spot-check for dryness will determine whether a
rose needs to be watered. Scratch about an inch down into the soil. If
it is totally dry the rose is in need of fluid.
For health it is necessary to place the rose in a situation where it receives some moving air. Space containers about two feet apart. This will reduce the incidence of fungus-related rose diseases. A rose should also have a full day of sun, or at least seven hours.
Roses can spend their lifetime in this situation, excepting those places where the temperatures can drop dramatically over the winter months. It is advisable to move roses to a sheltered site or temporarily indoors. Finally, in spring offer roses in containers a tablespoon of epsom salts sprinkled around the base of the plant. This provides the necessary magnesium for healthy foliage. Also a kick-start of a fish emulsion feed in spring to get them off to a healthy start.