Roses for pots
Roses grow beautifully in pots if given the right preparation and care. Follow these tips: • Roses can stay in a container for six to eight years, provided it’s the correct size. The bigger the pot, the better. Use a 10L container for a single miniature rose, a 20L container for two miniature roses, miniature climbers, or a medium-sized bush, and a 40–50L container for two or more roses. • The best potting soil is a mix of commercial potting soil, compost and organic matter such as peanut shells. Ludwig’s Roses has a rose potting mix that is available from all outlets and it inc lu desVi go longer, a controlled release fertiliser. • Fill the container three-quarters full with potting soil. Place the rose, still in its black bag, in the pot to check the height. The final level of the soil should be about 5cm above the rim of the container and the plant should be covered with soil at the same level as it is in the bag. The reason for this is that all types of potting soil settle quickly after watering and before long, the planted rose will be too sunken in the pot. Alternatively, fill the container with the potting soil, water it well for a few days and then plant. • Once the level is correct, take the rose out of its black plastic bag and slightly loosen the roots, especially those twining around the root ball. • Fill in with potting soil, firming it down gently. Water well to settle the soil and to get rid of air pockets. • Ensure good air circulation around the pots by making sure they are not placed directly against a wall, especially one that catches hot midday or afternoon sun. • If you decide to transplant a rose from a small pot to a bigger pot, prune the roots and foliage and plant in fresh potting soil. • Watering every day until the water drips out of the drainage holes. In a container, the roots cannot stretch out wider and deeper to find water like they do when planted in a garden. • Fertilising once every three or four weeks withVi go rosa( or incorporate the controlled release f er til is er,Vi go longer, when planting ). • Spraying every two weeks with Rose Protector to control pests, or use a cocktail of Ludwig’s Insect Spray, Chronos and Picanta spreader during the rainy season.
Maximum flower power
Roses that bear clusters of blooms with a ‘tumbling’ or cascading habit are the best for pots. They should also be good repeat bloomers so that the time between flushes is very short. Try any of the ‘Sunsation’ roses or ‘Johannesburg Garden Club’, ‘Duncan’s Rose’, ‘Deloitte & Touche’, ‘Pink Profusion’, ‘South Africa’, ‘Easy Does It’ or ‘Red Ayoba’.