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Shrub Rose in a Pot or Container
What size pot or container can somebody recommend for a shrub rose (Penelope). Label says ultimate height is 6 foot and width 4-6 foot, although my guess being in a container it may be less than that? Would I be best going for traditional terracotta or something a bit lighter (main concern is around frost in winter and moving it around. I assume also best planting in John Inness No 3. I have reasons for not wanting to plant directly in to the ground.
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You can get frost resistant terracotta, the glazed ones are supposed to be better but you can wrap bubble wrap on the outside in winter, you do need at least a 60cm wide pot and at least 45 deep for a happy rose.
Not sure about the fibreclay type pots or the resin ones but not plastic.
Someone with rose knowledge will no doubt help.
I would caution against pots that are quite narrow at the base. Either very large round pots that are the same width throughout from top to bottom, or taller ones like mine below, not too narrow... but lots of choice out there, so pick one you like but the largest you can afford and manage, that's important too. I use my own mix of roughly 50/50 JI no. 3 with high quality Multi Purpose, added grit, and a few scoops of composted manure to add to the mix, but you needn't go to that trouble, but I don't recommend using all J Innes, it's too heavy, poorly drained, and you need to lighten it...
...seems happy enough...
We can only think of poison in the air. Have bought a few fast growers and repotted them in large pots to give wall coverage at least this summer.
A A Milne
Tim Burr.. thank you... in case you're not aware, the rose you have chosen develops the most remarkable blush pink hips in winter, an unusual colour for roses, so I would advise not deadheading the last roses of autumn - when this rose has an especially good flush - but leave the hips to develop..