How to plant and propagate roses

Cutting and propagating your roses

The best time to start propagating roses is late winter. Select a healthy stem cutting from a mature rose plant. Using pruning shears, cut a 20cm section at a 45-degree angle, just below a leaf node. Remove any excess leaves and thorns, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone or honey to give your cutting a little boost.

Plant the cutting in propagating mix at least 5cm deep. Water it thoroughly and cover it with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse. Make sure the plastic bag doesn’t touch any part of the cutting.

Place the container in a warm, bright location, removing the plastic bag to mist occasionally. Roots should develop in about six to eight weeks. After that, you can transplant your young rose plant into your garden.

Purchasing roses to plant

Purchasing roses in-store is the easier growing option. You can choose from bare-rooted roses or container roses, depending on your individual preference, budget and the time of year you wish to plant your roses.

Bare-rooted roses are taken from the soil while they’re dormant, so they usually don’t have much growth on them yet. This makes them easier to transport. They come in a wide variety and are ideal for gardeners looking for a cost-effective option. It’s best to plant them during late autumn or early winter.

Container roses have some developed growth and may already be in bloom when you buy them. They provide year-round planting flexibility and usually have reduced transplant shock when you put them in the ground.

Tip: If you have any questions, please speak with one of our helpful Team Members in-store.

Planting your roses

When planting roses that are already established, whether bare-rooted or in a container, start by choosing a sunny location with free-draining soil.

For bare-rooted roses, soak the roots in water for at least 12 hours prior to planting to rehydrate them. Dig a planting hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the roots with some space for them to spread out. Create a mound at the centre of the hole. Spread the roots evenly over the mound and make sure the bud union (the swollen area where the canes meet the roots) is just above the soil surface. Fill the hole with soil, water thoroughly, and mulch around the base.

For container roses, gently remove the plant from the container, loosen the roots, and plant it at the same depth as it was in the pot. Water generously, and mulch to retain moisture. Regular watering and fertilising will help your plant along and keep it healthy. If you’ve purchased your rose plant later in the season and it’s become rootbound in the pot, gently loosen the roots before planting. Trim any encircling roots and provide ample water and care to encourage new root growth and a smooth transition into your garden.

Spacing roses

For optimal growth and aesthetics, a general guide is to space your roses about 60 to 90 centimetres apart in a well-drained, sunny location. This gives your rose plants plenty of breathing space, allowing them to grow and expand.

Giving your roses enough space reduces the risk of disease. It also means your roses are more likely to get enough sun, which means they’ll be healthier, bloom better and grow well. Spacing your plants also makes pruning and maintenance easier.

Tip: Be sure to check your plant label to see what’s best for your variety of rose.

Now that your roses have been planted...

Learn how to maintain healthy roses.