Although they are easy to grow, potted roses require good draining soil and a decent fertilizer to start with. There are several types of roses that do well in pots, and there are also several types of pots, or containers, that can be used. After they are planted, they will need to be watered and pruned regularly.
Just about any species of rose plant will do well in a pot, given the right conditions. Choosing a manageable rose, however, is usually recommended. There are several types of roses, particularly miniature roses, that will do well in pots. Hybrid tea roses are an especially popular variety to grow in pots. Although many roses will grow in containers, it is usually advisable to avoid large climbing roses, since these can grow to be too large for a container.
Choosing the right container for growing potted roses is another important step. It is important to choose a container large enough to accommodate the root ball. If the container is too small, the roses could eventually outgrow it. As a general rule, miniature roses can be grown in a 5-gallon (19-liter) container, and larger roses can be grown in a 10- to 15-gallon (38- to 57- liter) container.
Pots can be made out of all different materials, including clay and plastic. Whichever material is chosen for growing potted roses, however, it is recommended that there are holes in the bottom. This is essential for proper drainage.
Before adding soil to the container, some individuals who are growing roses add a couple of inches of gravel to the bottom. In plastic pots, this helps add stability as well as drainage. Potting soil should also be used when growing potted roses. There are several types of potting soil designed specifically for roses. A good organic fertilizer can also be mixed in with regular potting soil.
Roses have a tendency to take nutrients from the soil very quickly. For this reason, it is important to fertilize the roses at least once a month. Fertilizer should not be added, however, when the soil is dry. This can possibly damage the plants. Instead, the soil should be watered either before or right after the fertilizer is added.
Growing potted roses also typically requires more watering. As a rule of thumb, potted roses should be watered when the soil has dried out slightly. By inserting a finger into the first inch of soil, a gardener can usually easily tell whether it is moist or dry.
Sunlight is another essential component to growing potted roses that are healthy. Most rose varieties require at least five to six hours of sunlight each day. Since apartment living usually makes it difficult to grow a garden, potted roses are excellent for apartment dwellers. Containers can be moved into sunny areas, such as balconies and patios. The containers should also be rotated daily to ensure the roses are exposed to sunlight on all sides.