I know what you’re thinking: “Did I miss my chance?” as I looked at those beautiful rose bushes at the garden center in late summer. Well, I’m here to tell you that timing is important when planting roses, but it’s not the only thing that matters. If you want to plant roses, no matter what time of year it is, you can read this.
The Quick Answer
It’s not necessarily too late to plant roses! The best time depends on:
- What type of roses you’re planting (bare root vs. potted)
- Your climate zone
- Current weather conditions
- How much care you’re willing to provide
Best Times to Plant Different Types of Roses
Bare Root Roses
- Ideal planting time: Late winter to early spring
- Why: They’re dormant and ready to wake up naturally with spring
- Timing tip: Plant while they’re still sleeping, before leaves appear
Potted Roses
- Spring planting: Best option for most gardeners
- Fall planting: Works great in many areas (plant 6 weeks before first frost)
- Summer planting: Possible but needs extra care
Season-by-Season Planting Guide
Spring: The Perfect Time
Spring is like the VIP pass for rose planting. Here’s why:
- Soil is warming up
- Natural rainfall helps with watering
- Gives roses time to establish before winter
- Less stress on the plants
Summer: Challenging but Possible
I won’t sugar-coat it – summer planting takes more work:
- Water more frequently
- Provide afternoon shade
- Use extra mulch
- Choose early morning or evening for planting
Fall: The Secret Second Season
Many folks don’t realize fall can be excellent for planting
- Cooler temperatures
- Usually more rainfall
- Roots can establish before winter
- Less transplant shock
Winter: The Wait-and-See Season
Generally not recommended because:
- Frozen ground makes digging tough
- Higher risk of root damage
- Limited root growth before spring
How to Plant Roses Successfully (Any Season)
Location Matters
Pick a spot with
- 6+ hours of direct sunlight
- Good air circulation
- Well-draining soil
- Protection from strong winds
Planting Steps
- Dig hole twice as wide as root ball
- Mix in organic matter
- Position rose at proper depth
- Backfill with soil
- Water thoroughly
Extra Care Tips
- Apply 2-4 inches of mulch
- Water deeply 1-2 times weekly
- Provide temporary shade in summer
- Add winter protection in cold climates
Special Considerations for Late Planting
If you’re planting later than ideal, try these tricks:
- Choose container-grown roses
- Pick hardy varieties
- Provide extra mulch
- Water more frequently
- Consider temporary shade structures
FAQ About Rose Planting Timing
Q: Can I plant roses in July?
A: Yes, but they’ll need extra water and possibly shade. Morning sun is better than afternoon sun during hot months.
Q: What about planting roses in October?
A: In many zones, early October works fine. Just ensure 6 weeks before first frost for root establishment.
Q: Do I need special soil for late-season planting?
A: Add some bone meal to the planting hole and mix in compost to give late-planted roses extra nutrients.
My Personal Experience
I have to say that I have planted roses at some pretty bad times, like during a heat wave (not my best moment!). That being said, I’ve learned that roses are tougher than we think. They can live and grow even in less-than-ideal conditions if you give them the right care.
Bottom Line
Is it too late to plant roses? Probably not! While spring might be optimal, don’t let timing stop you from growing these beautiful flowers. Just be prepared to give them extra TLC if you’re planting outside the ideal window.
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose healthy plants
- Prepare soil thoroughly
- Keep roots moist during planting
- Monitor water needs closely
- Don’t skimp on mulch
- Be patient with establishment
Remember, gardening isn’t about being perfect – it’s about working with nature and learning as you go. So if you’ve got roses ready to plant, don’t let the calendar stop you. Just adjust your care routine to match the season, and you’ll be enjoying beautiful blooms before you know it!
Listen, I know it might seem overwhelming, but trust me – even if your timing isn’t “perfect,” you can still have gorgeous roses in your garden. Just give them what they need, and they’ll reward you with beautiful blooms. Now get out there and start planting!
Is it too late to plant roses? Should I not cut back my Brown Eyed Susans to leave the seeds for the birds?
Is it too late to plant roses?
Should I not cut back my Brown Eyed Susans to leave the seeds for the birds?
Answer:Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant
We suggest planting roses early in the year instead of late so they have the best chance to take root. Some varieties can be planted in the fall if they are well protected, but I would hate for you to waste money on an expensive planting that doesn’t take root. For information on how to start a rose garden, please see this answer from our Ask the Experts page (Note: I think the link to Dr. Perry’s article is broken, but you can also find it here).
As far as the brown-eyed susans go, I would say it’s really up to you. Birds will eat the seeds as long as the plants aren’t buried in snow, and many gardeners think the seedheads make the garden look nicer in the winter. Others find them unattractive. Just be aware that leaving them most likely means a good bit of self-seeding in the spring. If you like the idea of new patches springing up near where your plants were this year, this can be a boon (I have some I planted ten years ago that come back in roughly the same place each year, though 8-12″ perhaps from where each was last year!). If you don’t want the area to get out of hand or the plants to be in the right place, you’ll have to do more weeding when the uneaten seeds sprout.