When to Plant Roses for Beautiful, Healthy Blooms

Timing is essential when it comes to planting roses. If a rose bush is planted at the wrong time of year and in a less-than-optimal location, it may struggle to grow and thrive. Likewise, planting roses during extreme weather conditions can stress the bush, making it more difficult for it to get established. But the good news is that setting your roses up for success is easy as long as you know when (and when not) to plant roses.

When to Plant Roses

Before you can determine when to plant your roses, you'll need to explore the differences between planting bare root roses and potted roses.

When to Plant Bare Root Roses

Bare root roses are dormant roses that are commonly offered by mail-order garden retailers since transportation is easier and shipping costs are lower. "Bare root roses are the same quality roses you buy in a container with potting medium, but since they're dormant, they can travel 'naked,'" says Christopher Barrett Sheridan, an instructor at Longwood Gardens. "This is essentially the shrub version of a bulb for transportation purposes."

Bare root roses are ideal for late winter or early spring planting because you can plant them right away when they arrive. You don't have to wait for them to wake up, as they'll emerge from dormancy and start leafing out when nature says it's time. "If you order from a respected rose breeder, they'll often schedule the shipment when it's the ideal time for planting in your USDA zone," says Sheridan. "Because nurseries take advantage of the natural life cycle of the rose, I would be wary about using bare root roses outside of their spring planting window, and potted roses are a reliable alternative."

When to Plant Potted Roses

Potted roses are a bit more particular about when they're planted, given the fact that they are active, growing plants that are sensitive to transplanting stress and changes of environment. "Potted roses can be planted any time from spring to autumn, but we want to avoid the most intense heat of summer and allow them at least a few weeks to get acclimated before the first frost," says Sheridan. He also notes that purchasing potted, blooming roses gives you the advantage of seeing the color of the flowers and foliage and even evaluating the fragrance.

When Not to Plant Roses

The worst time to plant roses will depend on factors like your climate and location, the type of rose you're planting, and extreme weather conditions. But generally, you should avoid planting roses during the coldest months when the ground is too frozen to dig, and the weeks immediately before your first frost, says Sheridan.

It's also best to avoid planting roses when temperatures near or surpass 90 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be stressful for a newly transplanted rose bush. "During the growing season, the months when your region experiences the most intense heat of the year (in the mid-Atlantic, this is July and August) are challenging and require heightened care on the part of the gardener," says Sheridan. "In addition, summer thunderstorms can be accompanied by intense winds, which may subject your new rose to 'wind rocking.'" Wind rocking can prevent new roots from extending beyond the planting hole.

Tips for Planting Roses 

Beyond timing, there are other things to keep in mind when planting roses to ensure this bush thrives in your garden.

Choose a Location With Full Sun

Where you plant your roses can be just as important as when you plant them. "The first consideration is to ensure that there is sufficient sun for effective blooming," says Sheridan. Roses do best when planted in a location that receives full sun for at least six hours per day. Partial shade in the afternoon can work, but for best results, you'll want plenty of sunshine for your roses.

Wind is another consideration when choosing a planting location—roses can struggle when grown in a location that isn't protected from wind. Choose a location with well-drained soil and avoid planting roses under trees or near buildings that may obstruct light. 

Provide Adequate Water

Keeping newly planted roses hydrated is essential. "Given the importance of consistent watering during establishment, have a reliable friend who can cover while you're on vacation during the first couple of months after planting," says Sheridan.

Space Your Roses Carefully

Spacing your roses correctly ensures proper airflow and prevents disease. While the distance will vary depending on the variety, generally, roses should be planted about 3 feet apart, says Kathy Jentz, author of Groundcover Revolution. However, if you intend your roses to be planted as a grouping or hedge, then planting them about 1 to 2 feet apart is ideal, she says.

Consider Aesthetics

Don't overlook the aesthetic aspects when planting roses. "Shrub roses work well in mixed borders, or can be added to a cutting garden for those who enjoy floral design," says Sheridan. "Because I have a strong bias in favor of fragrant roses, I would recommend planting them near doorways, paths, and other high-traffic areas on your property, with due regard for the thorns, but not so far back in a border that you can't take a sniff or clip some blooms for the vase." He recommends letting climbing roses use pergolas, arbors, garden gates, or gazebos to climb.