Roses are one of the most popular plants and it’s easy to see why. With a huge range of colours, stunning scent and incredible fragrance, roses bring timeless charm to any space.
Better yet, you don’t need to be a gardening expert to grow roses as they offer something for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
Here’s everything you need to know about growing roses, from choosing the right type and planting them correctly, to caring for them throughout the seasons so you can enjoy beautiful blooms year after year.
Types of roses
Roses come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and growth habits, making them suitable for almost any garden style or space. Understanding the different types will help you choose the right rose for your needs, whether you're filling a border, covering a wall or planting up containers.
What’s the difference between bare root and container roses?
Bare root roses are supplied without soil around the roots and are typically available from late autumn to early spring. They’re often more cost-effective and establish quickly when planted in the ground during the dormant season.
Container-grown roses, on the other hand, are sold in pots and can be planted at any time of year, as long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged. They’re ideal if you want instant impact or flexibility with planting time.
Shrub roses
Shrub roses are a popular choice for borders and larger garden spaces. They have a natural, bushy growth habit and often produce masses of flowers throughout the season. Many are repeat-flowering and some are highly fragrant, making them perfect for adding both colour and scent to your garden.
Bush roses
A bush rose is a medium-sized, woody shrub, typically 80–120 cm (2.5–4 ft) tall, characterised by its bushy, upright, or spreading habit and frequent flowering throughout the summer.
Climbing roses
Climbing roses have long, stiff canes that can be trained up vertical structures like walls, fences, arches and grown up pergolas.
Check out our blog on stunning pergola ideas!
How to plant roses
So, now you’ve got your rose home, how do you plant it? Getting the basics right at this stage will give your rose the best possible start for healthy growth!
1.When to plant roses
The best time to plant roses depends on how they’re supplied.
Bare root roses should be planted between late autumn and early spring, while they’re dormant. This allows the roots to establish before the growing season begins. Whereas container-grown roses can be planted at any time of year, as long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged. However, spring and autumn are ideal, as the soil is warm and moist, helping plants settle in more easily.
2.Where to plant roses
Roses love sunny spots and most varieties need at least 4-6hours of direct sunlight.
Choose a spot with:
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Well-drained soil (roses don’t like sitting in water)
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Good air circulation to help prevent disease
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Shelter from strong winds, especially for taller or climbing varieties
Avoid planting roses too close to large shrubs or trees, as they can compete for nutrients and water.
3.Which compost do roses need?
Roses are hungry plants and require nutrient-rich soil. Miracle-Gro recommends forking in organic matter such as farmyard manure before planting.
Do roses need pruning?
Why is it important to prune roses
Pruning roses is an important part of maintaining healthy rose plants as it removes dead, diseased and damaged stems so they can grow to their optimum potential. It also helps prevent overcrowding, especially in borders!
How to prune roses
The majority of roses in the UK are pruned in late winter during February and early March before leaf buds are starting to swell. Rambling roses are an exception, as they should be pruned straight after flowering from July to August.
1. Use clean tools: Always use sharp, clean secateurs when pruning roses. This helps make precise cuts and reduces the risk of spreading disease between plants. It’s a good idea to disinfect your tools before and after use, especially if you’re pruning multiple roses.
2. Angle your cut: Make each cut at a slight angle just above an outward-facing bud. This encourages the plant to grow outwards, creating an open shape that allows air to circulate and reduces the risk of disease.
3. Prune dead and dying stems: Focus on removing dead wood down to where the stems are green and firm. This helps the plant focus its energy on producing new, healthy shoots.
How to feed roses
As mentioned, roses are hungry plants so using fertiliser will encourage them to grow, flower and repeat bloom - regular feeding replenishes these nutrients. It’s best to feed roses twice a year, once in early spring before new growth and again in mid-summer.
You can use a slow-release fertiliser or a liquid plant feed:
Slow release fertilisers: Applied in early spring, they gradually release nutrients over time, supporting steady growth and flowering. Scatter the fertiliser around the base of the plant and lightly work it into the soil, then water well.
Liquid feed: A rose liquid feed is fast acting as it can be used more regularly every 1-2 weeks and is particularly beneficial to roses in pots.
Common rose problems
Roses are generally hardy but like all plants, can be prone to problems. But, they are easy to manage if spotted early!
Common rose pests (aphids, blackfly)
Aphids are one of the most common pests you’ll find on roses. These sap-sucking insects cluster around new growth, feeding on sap and weakening the plant.
Signs to look out for:
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Sticky residue (honeydew) on leaves
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Distorted or curled new growth
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Visible clusters of small insects on stems or buds
To manage aphids:
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Remove them by hand or spray off with a strong jet of water
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Encourage natural predators like ladybirds
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Use an insecticidal soap or suitable pest control like Rose Clear if needed
Common diseases (black spot, powdery mildew, rust)
Roses can be prone to a few fungal diseases, especially in damp or poorly ventilated conditions.
Black spot: Black spots appear as dark purple or black spots on leaves, often causing them to turn yellow and drop early.
Mildew: Powdery mildew shows as a white, powdery coating on rose leaves and buds, often in dry conditions with poor airflow.
Rust: Rust causes orange or rust-coloured pustules on the underside of leaves.
To prevent and manage disease:
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Ensure good air circulation by spacing and pruning correctly
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Water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the leaves
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Remove and dispose of affected leaves promptly
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Apply a suitable fungicide if the problem persists
Keeping your roses well-fed, well-pruned, and planted in the right conditions will go a long way in preventing most common issues.
Month by month rose tips
Keeping your roses healthy and blooming beautifully all year round is easier if you follow a simple month-by-month care routine. Here’s a guide for roses in the UK garden:
January and February rose care
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Plan your rose care for the year and check winter protection.
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Bare root roses can be planted from late January onwards if the ground isn’t frozen.
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Protect any tender or newly planted roses from frost with horticultural fleece.
March rose care
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Prune most roses before buds begin to swell (except ramblers).
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Apply a slow-release fertiliser as growth begins.
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Remove any winter mulch that’s compacted.
April rose care
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Plant container roses if the soil is workable.
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Begin regular watering as temperatures rise.
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Start feeding roses with a liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
May rose care
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Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming.
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Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and blackfly.
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Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
June rose care
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Continue feeding with a liquid feed every 1–2 weeks.
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Train climbers onto supports and tie in new shoots.
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Remove any diseased leaves immediately to prevent spread.
July rose care
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Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering.
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Water deeply during dry spells, ideally in the morning.
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Some repeat-flowering varieties may benefit from a second dose of slow-release fertiliser.
August rose care
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Prune rambling roses after flowering.
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Keep feeding potted roses and ensure climbing roses are tied in neatly.
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Monitor for fungal diseases, particularly in humid conditions.
September rose care
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Reduce feeding as the growth season slows.
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Remove any remaining dead or diseased leaves.
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Start preparing bare root roses for autumn planting.
October rose care
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Plant new bare root roses if not done in spring.
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Apply a layer of mulch around the base to protect roots over winter.
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Cut back long stems slightly if needed.
November and December rose care
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Top feeding roses to allow them to go dormant.
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Protect vulnerable roses with mulch or fleece in colder areas.
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Check supports for climbing roses and tie in any loose stems.
Now you're ready to start caring for your own rose plants. Pop in-store or shop online today.