What is a New Season Potted Rose?
You may notice around our site late autumn and early summer that some potted varieties are labelled as new season. But you may be wondering, what is a new season potted rose? This means that they are just like bareroot roses, freshly lifted from our field – but instead have been potted up. On arrival these plants may have no shoots, a few shoots or are in new young leaf. Examples of different stages of growth feature through this guide. It is very important that they remain in the pot supplied until fully rooted, which will normally be late spring or early summer.
When can I plant a new season potted rose?
The most important note about new season potted roses are that they are not yet ready to be transferred into it’s final planting position in a border or in a container as the root system is establishing itself and is not yet ready for the compost around the roots to be disturbed. These plants should be kept outside and regularly watered and should be ready to plant from May/June onwards. To check whether your rose is ready to be planted, hold the rose securely around the base with one hand and turn the rose upside down and gently remove the pot. If ready to plant you will see a system of white roots all around the compost which has formed a solid and firm root-mass. If as you take the pot away the compost starts to fall apart it is not ready to plant yet and place the pot back on and check again in a few weeks.
Giving or receiving a rose within a container is still a fantastic idea for gardeners who have not yet decided where they would like to place the plant within their garden and allows time for them to decide. This also makes them a fantastic choice when giving a gift as they don’t have to rush to make a decision.
Should I still water a new season potted rose?
Particularly as the weather gets warmer, it is important to make sure just like other container plants that your new season potted rose is regularly watered. You should never allow the compost to dry out completely, otherwise death could occur. The compost we plant our roses in is specially formulated with slow release fertiliser which will provide sufficient feed for the first year. You should try to ensure that you plant your rose in it’s final position by the end of it’s first year with you as it will outgrow the original container and will be need a larger area for the roots.
Ready to plant straight away?
If you are ready to plant your rose upon arrival, you may wish to opt for the bareroot roses instead which are available for delivery from November to March, these are ready to be planted upon arrival if required.
During the summer season the potted roses we supply have their more established root systems, and unless otherwise labelled will also be ready to replant into borders or larger containers straight away.
