Is it important to you that your shrub roses can be grown in pots instead of in the ground?
Many people enjoy potted plants for many reasons. You can bring them inside for the winter if you live in a place where the seasons change, or you can move them around your yard however you wish!
There are many advantages to having shrub roses in pots.
We will answer some of your top questions about the subject and discuss the best types of shrub roses to keep in pots and how to take care of them.
Can Shrub Roses Be Grown In Pots?
Believe it or not, you can grow almost any type of rose in a container.
Even shrub roses with their wider root systems can thrive in pots, as long as the pot is large enough.
Ideally, you should only grow small shrub roses in pots because they will need more room to grow once they reach a large size.
If you want to keep your shrub rose in a pot, make sure to prune it back vigorously if you want it to remain a smaller size.
How Big Should A Planter Be For A Shrub Rose?
An 8 to 15-gallon pot should be large enough for a shrub rose.
Shrub roses have extensive root systems, and so need a pot big enough to accommodate all of their roots.
Like we’ve said, once the shrub rose continues to grow in size, there may come a time when even a 15-gallon pot is not large enough and at that point, you will need to plant the rose in the ground.
How Do You Take Care Of A Potted Shrub Rose?
The thing with potted shrub roses to watch out for is that they become dry very easily.
To avoid harming the plant, make sure you water your potted shrub rose regularly and make sure the soil is nice and damp.
Also, make sure that the plant is well-drained and that water comes out from the bottom when you water it.
Water your potted shrub rose daily and make sure it is getting enough sun.
8 Best Shrub Roses That Will Grow Well In Pots
We have chosen some of the best shrub roses to grow in pots.
These shrub roses are proven to thrive in pots but must be properly taken care of.
We will discuss how to take care of each of these specific plants so that you can choose the best-potted shrub rose for your garden:
1. Benjamin Britten Rose
This English shrub rose was bred By David Austin, in 2001.
COLOR: Deep Red-Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Medium, Fruity |
PLANT SIZE: 1ft – 2ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The Benjamin Britten rose enjoys a long blooming season and is perfect for container planting.
A short climber, this rose is known for its striking and unusual coloring.
As for its care, it is best grown in full sun or partial shade.
The soil must be fertile and moist, as well as well-drained.
If you prune this rose in the summer it will encourage both flowering and growth.
2. Bonica Rose
Bonica rose was bred by Marie-Louise (Louisette) Meilland (Paolino) in France, in 1981.
COLOR: Mid Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Light |
PLANT SIZE: 2ft – 3ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The Bonica rose has pink flowers and bushy, dark green foliage.
The flowers will bloom from late spring until early frost.
This flower requires rich fertile soil that is always a little damp.
You also always want to make sure that the soil in the pot is well-drained.
This flower also is disease-resistant and requires little attention because it is not finicky.
3. Carefree Wonder Rose
Carefree Wonder was bred by Alain Meilland in France, before 1990.
COLOR: Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Large | FRAGRANCE: Very Slight |
PLANT SIZE: 2ft – 4ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The Carefree Wonder rose is a pink shade of rose that should be fertilized every season except for winter.
However, don’t fertilize it the first month you plant it in the pot because it must get used to its new home.
When pruning, leave at least two or three leaf nodes visible.
Always deadhead this rose when you see a bloom that is past due.
Water this rose once every few days for the most part.
Luckily, the Carefree Wonder is a very forgiving rose, so it will most likely not die if you forget to water or prune it.
However, keep a close look just to stay on the safe side.
4. Double Knock Out Rose
The Double Knock Out rose was bred by William J. Radler in the United States, before 1999.
COLOR: Reddish-Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Sweet, Fruity |
PLANT SIZE: 3ft – 4ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The Double Knock Out rose is a reddish-pink rose that it is important to prune back early each spring to ensure new growth and new blooms.
This rose is self-cleaning, so there is no need to dead-head the Double Knock Out Rose.
This rose should be sufficient to be watered once a week, however, if it is very hot out you will want to make sure that the soil is damp.
In the summer you may need to water it more often, and especially more often when it is in a pot.
5. Grace Rose
The Grace rose was bred by David Austin, in 2001.
COLOR: Apricot | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Medium, Tea |
PLANT SIZE: 3ft-4ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun, Partial Sun |
The Grace rose is a beautiful apricot rose with bright green foliage.
This rose blooms from late spring to fall.
You want to make sure you grow this rose in rich, fertile soil that is always moist and well-drained.
As for pruning, summer pruning will help maintain the repeat blooms and promote growth.
6. The Fairy Rose
The Fairy rose was bred by Bentall, in 1932.
COLOR: Light pink | BLOOM SIZE: Small | FRAGRANCE: Light |
PLANT SIZE: 2ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The Fairy rose is a light pink shade and is gorgeous from spring to fall.
Make sure to grow this rose in moist, well-drained, fertile soil.
Removing fallen leaves will help prevent the rose from contracting diseases.
For pruning, prune one in three stems close to the base to promote growth.
7. Sophy’s Rose
The Sophy’s Rose was bred by David Austin, in 1997.
COLOR: Crimson-Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Large | FRAGRANCE: Light, Tea |
PLANT SIZE: 3ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The Sophy’s Rose has pink-red flowers and is a bushy shrub rose.
This rose prefers moist and well-drained soil that is fertile in the growing months.
This rose is prone to pests and diseases, so make sure to prune it regularly and take generally good care of it.
8. Sunny Knock Out Rose
The Sunny Knock Out rose was bred by William J. Radler in the United States, in 2006.
COLOR: Light Yellow | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Moderate Fragrance |
PLANT SIZE: 4ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The Sunny Knock Out rose gets its name from its bright yellow petals.
This rose should be deadheaded and cut back once a year to keep it blooming.
You should water this rose once a week but more in the summer to keep the soil moist.
Conclusion
Keeping shrub roses in pots is easy as long as you practice the proper care.
The main concern here is that the rose is receiving the proper drainage.
Make sure that the rose is not uncomfortable in the size of the pot you choose so that there is enough room for water to filter through and that the holes at the bottom are not obstructed.
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