Rose Plants

Why choose a rose plant for your garden?

Roses are a timeless garden favourite for good reason:

• Pollination: Rose plants play a key role in pollination. Bees, butterflies and moths love roses, so by planting them you'll be lending a helping hand to
  pollinators.
• Fragrance: A 2025 study found that the smell of roses has a positive, emotional impact, with participants remarking on feelings of nostalgia and childhood memories.
• Beauty: Roses are naturally beautiful and come in countless varieties, giving the dreariest garden a burst of vivid colour and a gorgeous fragrance.
• Low maintenance: The rose plant is great for new gardeners or those with limited time to tend their plants. It has a long blooming season that starts in
  May. Roses bloom beautifully until August, with more robust varieties lasting until early autumn.

Rose Plant FAQs

When is the best time to plant a rose?

In the UK, it's from September to November. However, this can vary depending on the strain or type of rose. Cooler temperatures allow the root to establish, and rain gives the rose plant what it needs to grow. If you are planting a rose in a container, you can do so all year round.

How do I care for my rose plant?

1. Plant at the right time: September to November.

2. Plant properly: Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough so that there's good drainage. Roses don't thrive in soggy soil! Moist and well-drained soil is key. The hole should be twice the width of the root ball to allow the roots to spread.

3. Give it the right nutrients: Use a quality fertiliser (compost or compost manure is great for roses). Apply when planting and every 2-4 weeks thereafter.

4. Water it: Roses need moist soil, not soggy soil, so pay attention to your garden and factor in the climate. If you've had a lot of rainfall, you may not need to water your rose plant for a few weeks.

5. Prune: Remove dead leaves or twigs to rejuvenate your rose plant so it lasts longer. Early spring is the best time to prune when regrowth occurs.

Can I grow a rose plant in a container or pot?

Yes, you can. The container must be at least 45cm x 45cm, but the larger the better, as the growing roots can take up quite a bit of space. Ensure the pot is placed somewhere where it'll get at least 4 hours of sunlight each day.

Do I need to protect my rose plant from insects?

It's best to check your roses often for any signs of insect damage. Aphids, caterpillars, thrips and mites feed on rose plants, so look out for any discolouration, bite marks or other damage. If spotted, try netting and an insecticide.

Have another question? Contact our team here.

Why buy rose plants from Marshalls Garden?

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