The answer is: yes! Roses are particularly well suited to fall planting. They tend to benefit immensely, and you can pay a quarter of the price for plants that you might be charged during the spring.
Additionally, roses planted in April and May are doomed to face the upcoming summer heat sooner than later. Roses planted in February and March are able to establish roots while the weather is mild and are able to deal with the heat better once it arrives.
Autumn is an excellent time to prepare rose beds even if planting is delayed until spring. Select a location with good drainage, away from tree roots, and where the sun shines at least four or five hours a day, preferably more.
Bare root roses should be planted between November and March, while containerized roses can go into the ground at any time of year. If possible, opt to plant roses in bare root form in winter or early spring to give your new roses the best possible start.
The best time to plant knockout roses is in the spring or fall. Make sure there is no threat of frost or they may not last through it.
About the only time not to prune is late summer and early fall, as this might encourage late growth that wouldn't harden off in time for winter. In the North, winter is not a good time to prune, but winter is just fine in the South. Although 'Knock Out' is marketed as a compact shrub, over time it gets pretty big.
In-ground: Add 2-3" of mulch, leaves, or pine/fir boughs around the base of the plant. A heavy snow cover will also help insulate and protect the plant through the winter. Also, the winter winds can really dry out the plant so you may want to wrap the plant with burlap.
WHEN TO PRUNE ROSES. The best time to prune roses is in late winter or early spring, around the time new growth begins. This could be as early as January or as late as May, depending on your climate.
*East, South, or West (not the North side of the house as there is not enough sunlight for these beauties!). * More specifically, Roses need AT LEAST 4-6 hours of sunlight a day, minimum! Think of them as sunbathers- they love to soak up the sun. *Also, try to plant Roses where you can also enjoy them from inside.
Roses thrive on direct sunlight. For best results, a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight is recommended. However, even when planted against a north wall (meaning no direct sunlight) roses can still perform well. To see a list of roses suitable for shaded areas click here.
While you can plant roses in the fall, well before the first frost (6 weeks), you will see little growth and blooming until the following spring.
2-Quart potted roses can be planted April-May and September-October in all zones. We recommend that you don't plant when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or in drought conditions.
Ideal Temperatures for Planting Roses
Consult your local agricultural extension service or garden club for information on the proper date. Roses cannot withstand temperatures below 32 degrees F, so keep plants awaiting transplanting in a warm, protected area where they will not be damaged.
Most roses can withstand a quick cold snap of temperatures down to 10 degrees F, but it is best to protect them if you expect an extended period of time when temperatures dip under 20 degrees F. The amount of protection your roses need depends on the climate in which you live.
Roses are excellent plants for growing in pots. English Roses, with their shrubby, bushy habit are ideal for growing in large pots and containers. Unlike many other potted plants, English Roses will flower in fragrant flushes throughout the summer and into the fall.
By adding coffee grounds to your roses, you create a barrier that will keep pests away and allow your rose bushes to thrive. So if you're wondering whether coffee grounds are good for roses, the answer is a resounding yes! Coffee grounds are an inexpensive and readily available organic fertilizer for your roses.
It's easy to neglect roses, because they don't need to be pruned regularly in order to grow and bloom year after year. But, if you want to keep them healthy and full of flowers, trimming helps a ton! If you never cut them back, over time they will bloom less, and look more scraggly.
If your roses are growing in a fairly protected area out of harsh winds and extreme temperatures, wrapping with burlap or evergreen boughs will give sufficient winter protection. After the first hard frost of the fall, secure canes to their support and prune off long ends.
Apply a granular slow-release fertilizer such as Miracle Grow to the newly planted rose bush. A healthy application will help it recuperate from its replanting and adjust to its new location. For lush growth, continue a monthly application until cooler weather in the fall.