Unusual and rare, tree roses reign supreme in the garden. They serve as a focal point, whether planted in-ground or in containers. All tree roses are real traffic–stoppers, admired by all.

Quick Reference Planting Guide

1. Location: Full to part sun for at least six hours a day.
2. Hardiness Zone: 4-6 with protection. Flourish through zone 10. Potted plants should be moved into a protected unheated area (e.g., garage) over winter in northern locations. Moving them to a protected area next to a foundation, preferably on the south side of the home, will also give them necessary protection. Such locations will increase their hardiness range by one or two zones.
3. Planting Distance: 5'-10' apart in ground.
4. Mature Height: 18" Minis and Patios grow to 30"; 36" Standards grow to 48"; Poodles and Fountains grow to 60", both within two years with head spans of 3'-4'.
5. Bloom Time: 60-90 days after planting. Annually thereafter from early summer to frost.
6. To Plant:
   1. Dig a hole large enough to give the roots plenty of room, with a few inches of space beyond the root tips and the sides of the hole. Build a mound of soil in the bottom of the hole and spread the roots in a natural position atop the mound. Note: If you grow in your own pot, mound soil in the bottom of the pot and position the roots over the cone. This way the stem will be positioned at the top of the pot’s soil line as indicated in step B below. Then finish filling the pot with soil.
   2. Position the plant so that the previous soil line will be even with ground level. For tree roses, the “knot” at the base of the stem is the “bud union” and should be at or 2"-3" below ground level.
   3. Once the plant is positioned at the proper planting depth, begin filling the hole with soil. Work the soil around the roots with your hands. When the hole is half filled, tap the soil to remove any air pockets.
   4. Fill the planting hole with water and let it soak in. Straighten the plant in the hole and finish filling with soil.
   5. Form a “saucer” of soil around the edges of the planting hole and fill it with water.
   6. To assist the roots in getting anchored, be sure to stake the tree. This will also maintain upper balance so that the trunk will continue to grow straight.

Soil Preparation

Tree roses do best in well-drained soil. You can also grow these dramatic trees in tubs. For optimum in-ground results, follow these steps:

1. Spade or rototill the soil to a depth of 2"-3".
2. Add organic matter to your soil. You can mix in a 2"-4" layer of dehydrated manure, garden compost, shredded leaves, and/or peat moss. After active growth begins, periodically feed with a water soluble rose booster. Plants in containers need more frequent water and feeding, especially when in active growth, bloom, or while setting fruit.

Continuing Care

If you do plant in pots, never let them dry out. Your tree requires 1" of rainfall (or equivalent watering) each week when in the ground. If the container is exposed to full sun, you'll have to water it at least once every day, especially during periods of intense summer heat. Try temporarily moving the container to a shaded area during these times. It will still grow in such surroundings. For continued care, be sure to do the following:

1. Mulching: Apply a 2"-4" layer of shredded bark, compost, or other organic mulch around your plants to promote moisture retention, maintain even soil temperatures, and discourage weed growth.
2. Weeding: Keep the area around your plants free of weeds. Weeds compete with plants for food, water, and light. Walk around the garden periodically and pull weeds, including the roots, as soon as you see them. Mulch also assists in keeping weeds down.
3. Deadheading: Remove spent blossoms to promote additional blooming. Pinch or cut-off when they've faded, but leave as much foliage as possible.
4. Grooming: Clip off unsightly or dead growth to maintain the plants in good form and shape. Cut flower stalks between the bottom blossom and the uppermost leaves.
5. Feeding: Discontinue any feeding after September 1. Your plants want to harden off for winter dormancy.
6. Winterizing: Protect plants from heavy frosts. In mild zones, leave tree roses in the ground and/or wrap the plants in straw and cover with burlap for winter protection. If temperatures go below 10°F, protect an in-ground tree rose by digging on one side until the plant can be pulled over on the ground without breaking root connections with the soil. Then stake the plant to the ground and cover with a winter blanket of soil. If you move your plant to an unheated protected area over winter, be sure to give it a good watering once every 7-10 days. As soon as the weather warms up, remove any straw, burlap, or soil from in-ground plantings. Prune off any dead wood. Return to garden sunlight where it will immediately begin to repeat its yearly garden performance.