Many gardeners think fall is too late in the year to plant roses, but that’s not true! With mild temperatures and warm soil, fall is the best window for planting roses. This post will reveal all you need to know to set your roses up for winter survival and strong early spring growth – including tips on transplanting, pruning, watering, disease prevention, and winter protection.
Can You Plant Roses in the Fall?
Planting roses in the fall will give them a headstart for the following year – giving you earlier spring blooms. Plant 6-8 weeks before the first frost to allow the root system to settle in before the cold hits. Knowing your rose hardiness zones will help you determine more precisely when that is in your location.
For successful fall planting, make sure your site meets these criteria:
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Full sun: Roses need 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to produce vibrant, abundant blooms.
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Good drainage: Roses hate “wet feet.” Well-draining soil prevents excess moisture and root rot.
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Proper airflow: Roses need their space to grow comfortably. Leave a bit of room between other plants to promote circulation and limit fungal diseases like black spot.
Step-by-Step: Fall Planting (In-Ground)
Planting a rose in the fall isn’t much different from planting one in the spring. Just follow these simple steps:
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Dig a hole: Give your rose enough space by digging a hole twice the size of the root ball.
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Prep the soil: 50% native and 50% potting soil amended with organic matter will aid in healthy root development.
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Place your rose: Position your rose in the center of the hole – with the bud union 2 inches below soil level.
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Backfill: As you backfill the hole, gently firm the soil with your hands or feet to secure your rose in place.
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Water in: Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and evenly saturate the soil.
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Mulch: Add a 1 to 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of your rose for protection and moisture retention. Keep mulch off the canes for proper airflow.
Can You Transplant Roses in the Fall?
If your rose isn’t doing as well as you’d hoped in your chosen spot, it’s not too late to move it! Without the risk of heat stress in the summer, fall is a great time to transplant roses. Aim for a day when the weather is cool and overcast, and deeply water the plant a few days before the move date. This will soften the soil for easier digging and minimize transplant shock.
How to Move a Rose
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Pre-water: Prepare your rose for the move by watering a few days before transplanting.
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Prune minimally: Focus on top pruning for now, and save shaping cuts for early spring.
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Dig out: Make sharp cuts with a shovel in a circle around your rose – keeping 12 inches away from the center. Then work your way underneath and lift out as much of the root ball as you can.
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Replant: Replant your rose in its new location at the original soil level.
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Water in: Give your rose a thorough drink of water to help it settle into its new home.
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Mulch: Add a 1 to 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the rose to help the soil retain moisture and protect the roots – always leaving a gap away from the canes.
Rose Bush Fall Care (Established Plants)
For well-established garden roses, there are a few changes to make to your fall care routine to prepare them for dormancy. These slight variations will ensure they get the beauty rest they need in the winter so they can thrive again in the spring.
Watering taper: Smart watering strategies are essential to your rose’s survival. Always water deeply and infrequently – reducing the amount as temperatures fall. This will help prevent drought stress as winter approaches. Remember to keep the soil evenly moist – not saturated.
Feeding: Fertilization helps your roses absorb key nutrients that support blooms and overall plant vigor. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season to discourage new growth and help them wind down. Focus on compost and top dressing to improve soil structure.
Sanitation: Tidy the garden in the fall to reduce the risk of fungal disease over the winter. Remove any fallen or diseased leaves and debris.
How to Cut Back Roses in the Fall (Without Over-Pruning)
Pruning your rose is crucial to encouraging healthy new growth and vibrant blooms. But in the fall, you’ll want to help it get ready for bed – not give it an energy spurt. For now, light cuts will do the trick – just enough to prevent damage from wind and frost.
General rule: Lightly prune in the fall for stability and save heavy shaping pruning for early spring.
What to do:
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Remove dead, diseased, or damaged canes
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Remove tips of long, whippy stems to prevent wind rock. For climbing roses, tie canes together.
Disease & Pest Cleanup Before Winter
With a few simple tasks in the fall, you’ll prevent pests and disease from disturbing your roses during their winter slumber.
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Tidy the garden: Remove any fallen leaves or debris surrounding your rose to prevent fungal spores.
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Sanitize tools: Make sure pruning shears are sparkling clean before use to prevent disease spread.
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Lightly prune: Remove damaged canes that could be breeding grounds for pests.
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Mulch: A layer of mulch will act as a barrier that will prevent pests from invading your rose.
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Maintain good air circulation: Avoid crowding – especially after you plant your rose or relocate it.
Winter Protection for Your Rose Garden
Depending on where you live, additional winter protection may be needed to keep your rose warm and cozy in harsh conditions.
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Mulch: A layer of mulch will insulate your rose and help regulate the soil temperature.
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Winter coverings: Consider covering your rose with burlap, bubble wrap, or blankets to prevent desiccation from the wind.
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Light watering: In dry winters, water your rose every 1-2 weeks so the soil doesn’t dry out.
Happy Fall Gardening!
Fall is a wonderful time of year to plant roses. With the right care, they’ll sleep peacefully through the harshest of winters and wake up ready to bloom beautifully in the spring. Visit April & Ashley to browse our collection of premium rose bushes to plant in your garden next fall.