How to plant a rose in a pot

Roses are excellent plants for growing in pots. English Roses, with their shrubby, bushy habit are ideal for growing in large pots and containers. Unlike many other potted plants, English Roses will flower in fragrant flushes throughout the summer and into the autumn.

Our videos are filmed in the UK, and so some of the season timings mentioned will apply to the UK and some of the products featured won't be available in Australia. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions, or contact your local stockist.

WHEN TO PLANT BARE ROOT ROSES

Bare root roses are best planted between May and September. depending on region and supplier, during the bare root season. This gives them time to establish ready to bloom come summer. The only time we recommend that you don't plant is when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or in drought conditions.

Watch our video on

HOW TO PLANT A POTTED ROSE IN A POT OR CONTAINER 

Watch our video on

HOW TO PLANT A BARE ROOT ROSE IN A POT

HOW TO PLANT A POTTED ROSE IN A POT

Step 1: Prepare your pot for planting

Start by placing pieces of broken crockery at the bottom of your pot; these will help the rose to drain adequately throughout the season. Next, begin to fill your pot with multi-purpose compost. As you fill the pot it’s important to use your hand to lightly press the compost so that you don’t get any air pockets. Carry on filling your pot until it is approximately halfway full.

Step 2: Position your rose in the pot your soil

At this point it is important to check that your rose will fit nicely into the pot. Place your potted rose into the pot and note the difference in height between the rim of the pot and the union of your rose. We recommend burying the bud union to protect the roots and give better stability, but local advice may differ. Ideally, we’d like to see the union sitting a couple of inches below the rim of the pot.

Step 3: Fill-in around your rose with compost

Next, remove the rose from its container, ensuring you are wearing gardening gloves. We recommend tapping the sides of the pot which should ease the rose gently out, leaving the root structure undisturbed. Place your rose into the centre of the pot and continue to fill with your compost mix, firming the soil as you go. 

Step 4: Water your rose

Finally, give your newly planted rose a thorough watering, allowing moisture to penetrate the soil and roots.

WHEN TO PLANT ROSES

Bare root roses are best planted between May and September, depending on region and supplier. This gives them time to establish ready to bloom come summer. Potted roses can be planted all year round. The only time we recommend that you don't plant is when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or in drought conditions.

YOU WILL NEED

  • GARDENING GLOVES
  • COMPOST SCOOP
  • BROKEN CROCS OR SMALL BLOCKS OF POLYSTRENE (FOR DRAINAGE)
  • FORK
  • WATERING CAN
  • BEST QUALITY MULTI-PURPOSE COMPOST OR POTTING MIX AS RECOMMENDED BY YOUR ROSE SUPPLIER
  • Gardener's Tip

    Roses in pots will require more frequent watering than roses planted in the ground.


    ROSE CARE ADVICE AND INSPIRATION

    Companion Planting for Continuous Colour

    During the summer, consider classic pairings like Phlox and Geranium. These perennials complement English roses beautifully...

    The Poet's Wife

    The Poet’s Wife bears rich yellow flowers, which pale over time. Their large formation is most...

    Our Top Three Picks for Colour & Fragrance

    Imagine walking through your garden, surrounded by the delightful fragrance of English roses. Each bloom tells...

    Gertrude Jekyll & Vanessa Bell: Women Who Shaped Gardens and Roses

    Some things stay with you - the scent of a rose in the evening air, the...

    How to plant a rose in a pot

    Roses are excellent plants for growing in pots. English Roses, with their shrubby, bushy habit are...

    Transform vertical spaces with Claire Austin

    Claire Austin is an English climbing rose, a perfect hardy plant for transforming any outdoor vertical...

    Watering Roses

    When the warm weather arrives, it's essential to keep your roses well-hydrated. Our guide to watering...

    English Roses for the Australian Landscape

    Meticulously bred for both health and beauty, our roses combine the romantic charm of old roses...

    Introducing two new English rose varieties for Australia in 2025

    In 2025, two exquisite new rose varieties, The Lady of the Lake (Ausherbert) and William and...

    How to plant a bare root climbing rose

    Follow our step-by-step guide showing how to plant a bare root climbing rose.

    How to plant a bare root shrub rose

    Follow our step-by-step guide showing how to plant a bare root shrub rose.

    How to deadhead a rose

    Deadheading roses encourages new growth and more blooms by removing spent flowers. It also helps to maintain the...