How to Grow the Best Potted Roses, According to Experts

Choose the Right Variety

Not all roses stay compact, though many are readily trimmable to work within a pot. “Choose a variety that is not too stiff and upright; it should be a more rounded shape,” says Richard Stubbs, senior rose consultant at David Austin Roses.

Look for hedge roses that can be trimmed to your needs or miniature roses that won’t get much bigger than a few feet in either direction.

Also, if you live far north, choose a cultivar that’s at least one zone hardier than the USDA zone you live in so that it has a better chance of surviving winter in a pot since the soil within the pot is more likely to freeze and be colder than the ground.

Consider a Large Container

When looking for the right size container for your rose plant, keep in mind it needs to be a few feet in each direction. “Choose a pot that’s at least 18 inches in diameter with good drainage holes,” says Wes Harvell, rosarian, Jackson & Perkins

“This size provides plenty of room for root growth and prevents waterlogging, reducing the risk of root rot.” Harvell says that roses tend to have deep roots and need to be able to spread out to be happy. Stubbs adds to this, mentioning that you shouldn’t put more than one rose per pot because they can be greedy and need all the space and nutrients they can get.

Use the Right Soil

Not only do container roses need good drainage, but they also need to be able to absorb a lot of nutrients and elements from the soil mix in order to remain healthy and keep blooming.

“Roses are heavy feeders, so good nutrient-rich soil is critical,” says Harvell. Use a high-quality potting mix formulated for roses or a mix of garden soil with compost to ensure proper nutrition and drainage, he says. And whatever you do, don’t just use heavy garden soil, as it will compact within the container.

When you go to pot the rose, be careful with the roots, and make sure to wear gloves to avoid getting pricked with thorny stems. “Use your hands to gently loosen the roots at the bottom of the plant,” says Kristen Smith, rose evaluation manager for Star Roses and Plants.

"Place in your container, ensuring that the base of the plant is straight,” Harvell says. Plant your rose with the graft union positioned just below the soil surface for best results.

Place Them in the Sun

Just like with in-ground plants, roses planted in containers need all the sun they can get, at least 6 to 8 hours a day. However, some varieties can benefit from being out of the sun when it’s directly overhead to keep the blooms from wilting.

“If you can place the pot in afternoon shade in the summer this will help to prevent the flowers going over too quickly,” says Stubbs. The beauty of a container rose is that you can move it to an area with more or less sun depending on how fast the blooms are withering (and whether that’s a concern for you).

Water Often (Even in the Winter)

How much you need to water your potted rose depends on where you live. If you are located in a drier, hotter climate, it may need to be watered every day. For those who aren’t sure, it’s best to feel the down into the soil a few inches to see if it’s still moist, and if not, water it. This may need to be repeated every day to understand the needs of your rose in your climate specifically.

“Drip irrigation is an ideal solution for roses in containers, but really, any solution that allows for consistent moisture throughout the season is fine,” says Mike Douglas, head rosarian at High Country Roses. “It is a process of trial and error, though, and monitor your moisture levels regularly.”

Once it gets cold out, it’s best to keep watering your rose; otherwise, the soil can get too dry and freeze the plant’s roots. “Moist and frozen is much better than dry and frozen for helping your roses survive the winter,” says Douglas. If there is some water in the soil, it’s likely to still be warmer than if there is no water.

Fertilize in Spring and Summer

All of our experts agree that container roses need a little extra in their pot to keep them their healthiest. You should use a nutrient-rich compost when you first pot the plant, but you’ll likely need supplemental feedings to keep the plant healthy and happy, as you’ll often be watering, and this can dilute fertilizer quickly. “Feed with a liquid feed as directed on the product throughout the spring and summer to ensure the most amount of flowers possible,” says Stubbs.

Protect From Cold Temperatures

Winter protection is very important for your potted rose. If the soil freezes within the pot, your rose will die. “I would suggest taking indoors to a frost-free place or you can cover the container and plant in burlap if the climate is not too cold,” says Stubbs.

“Occasionally, I will have customers overwinter in garages that get some sunlight, and that can be a great solution,” says Douglas. “In all cases, monitor the soil moisture during the winter.” You can also try to bring the plant close to the house where it’ll be slightly warmer but don’t bring the plant indoors like a houseplant, or it may face other problems. “Roses do better with a period of dormancy and can be susceptible to fungal and insect issues indoors,” says Douglas.