Planting container roses

• Sizing of the hole and preparation of the soil will be similar to that for bare root roses.
   
• Water the rose well to help hold the soil and roots together during the planting maneuvers.
   
• Removal of the rose from the pot differs on the type of pot. Roses in plastic pots are usually grown in the container and have a well-consolidated root-soil mass. The pots can be cut off, or a well-watered plant can be tipped out of the pot. Examine the roots. If they are circling the outside they have been in the pot for some time, and there is a danger the roots will never grow out into the surrounding soil. They can be encouraged to change their pattern of growth by making very shallow cuts (1/4-1/2") from top to bottom of the ball in three or four places around the perimeter of the root mass. The rose is set gently in the hole and the soil filled in around. Fill the hole completely, tamping it gently to eliminate air pockets before giving it a thorough watering. A rim can be constructed to hold water, but as the plant is leafed out, there is no need for a soil mound.
   
• Roses in fiber pots have often been in the container a shorter period of time and may not have a well-consolidated soil ball around the roots. The bottom of the container should be cut off, then the rose set in the hole and the sides of the pot slit so they can be pulled away. Fill hole with soil and water as with the plastic pots.