A rose is not just a flower, but an investment of your time. You can buy an elite variety, but if you plant it in 'concrete-like' heavy clay or deep shade, you'll end up with a sickly bush and no buds within a year. In this article, we will explain how to audit your site and create the perfect substrate with your own hands.
1. Light Regime: How Much Sun Do They Really Need?
For abundant flowering, a rose needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. However, there's a catch: the scorching southern noon sun (from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM) causes petals to fade and flowers to wither in 2 days instead of 7. The ideal spot is the east or southeast side, where the sun is active in the morning, followed by light partial shade at noon.
If you live in a southern climate, choose a spot with dappled shade from trees. In northern regions, only maximum open sun will suffice.
2. Soil Analysis and Preparation
Roses love loam — soil rich in humus that retains moisture well but still 'breathes'. If you have pure sand or heavy clay, the soil needs to be 'engineered'.
The Golden Recipe for Rose Soil Mix:
- 2 parts garden soil (top layer);
- 1 part well-rotted manure or compost (aged at least 2 years);
- 1 part peat (for fluffiness);
- 1 part river sand (if the soil is heavy);
- A handful of bone meal — a slow-release source of phosphorus.
Expert Opinion: Checking pH
Roses prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–6.5). In highly acidic environments, roots stop absorbing phosphorus, while alkaline soil leads to chlorosis (yellowing leaves). Before planting, always use litmus paper or a pH meter. If the soil is too acidic, add dolomite lime; if it's alkaline, add sphagnum (peat) moss.
3. Aeration and Groundwater
A rose's main enemy is 'wet feet'. If water stagnates on your site in spring, the roots will rot in a single season. The groundwater level should be no higher than 1 meter from the surface. If your site is in a lowland, the only solution is planting in raised beds (20–30 cm high).
Ideal Location Checklist:
Remember: preparing the hole takes 30 minutes, but a rose lives in one place for up to 20 years. Don't begrudge the time for soil analysis now so you can enjoy the fragrance later, rather than fighting diseases.
