Instructions for Growing Tree Roses
Congratulations on purchasing Edmunds' outstanding tree roses! We have taken extra care to have these grown and shipped to you and now they require some additional care on your part.
After unpacking your rose it will be important to soak the roots for 12 to 24 hours prior to planting. Soaking re-hydrates the roots to help them break dormancy.
- Prune off any broken roots, with sanitized pruners. Any canes less than a pencil thick should be totally removed. As well as any broken or damaged canes.
- Tip prune the canes back some before planting.
- Loosen the tag on the cane so it does not restrict the flow of sap.
Plan to plant your rose tree within 72 hrs. of receiving it. If you must delay planting, still remove it from its box, but keep it in its packaging and add ¼ to ½ cup of water to the sphagnum moss around the roots.
Then stand the tree upright in a cool, dark location for a few extra days while it is waiting to be planted. Time is of the essence with bare root plants.
As with any rose, choose a spot in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Blend some organic material like leaf compost or aged manure with the existing soil to use as backfill. If you are containerizing your roses, use fresh, peat-based potting soil with no fertilizer added. Never use potting soil as an amendment for in-ground planting.
Dig a large hole to accommodate the roots and build a mound in the bottom of the hole with your now blended mix. Build a small mound and rest the roots on top. Next, fill the hole two-thirds with soil covering the roots, then add water. Once it soaks in, continue to fill the hole with soil mix. We have provided a stake for you to attach to your rose tree for extra support.
Important! Please note: We have provided a burlap sheet to cover the top of your tree rose. The burlap is needed to protect the top canes from windy, dry, hot desiccating weather conditions. Maintaining consistent moisture around the top canes of the rose tree is important for establishment.
- Moisten the burlap each day for two weeks, in which time your tree rose should start sprouting.
Cold Weather Care
If you live in a climate that can get below 15°F, you will need to protect your tree rose during the cold weather. You can trench them, bury them or plant them in a large tub that can be moved into a location free of deep-freezing temperatures.
Wrapping is another protection method for areas where the temperature remains above 10°F. Tree roses are not as hardy as regular roses because the bud union is high above ground and exposed to more frigid air.
Basic Pruning
Proper annual pruning is necessary for tree roses, as with any shrub type rose. In early spring, remove diseased, damaged, old or crossing canes first, then remove weak or small canes (less than pencil thick). Lastly, the main canes should be pruned back to about ½ of their length.
Thank you for choosing Edmunds' roses as your tree rose supplier. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you. Questions can be directed to: info@edmundsroses.com
