Climbing Roses
PaulAntony
Posts: 37
Hi People,
I wonder if any rose experts out there could advise me? I have two climbing roses, one of them probably three years old and the other about two years. As a novice, I now believe that when I originally planted them, I have chosen containers that are far too big. The containers are probably 50 litres, standing maybe 18'' high with a diameter of 15''. This year I have probably made my second mistake by planting some other perennials in the same containers to fill up the huge amount of empty space. So,
A) Can I safely plant other perennials in the same container without harming the rose?
Would it be possible to re-pot the roses in smaller containers (probably my preference). Thinking to dig out the compost as far as possible and then try to pull the container away from the wall leaving the rose in situ. Position new continer under the root ball and fill up? Or am I being naive? What time of year would I attempt it?
PS The wire is to stop the rabbit from chewing through the stems!
Posts
That container does not look at all too big for the amount of growth you have. In fact I would say it is on the small side. Roses are gross feeders and it will need fed quite often. I would leave it as it is. If you are going to plant 'ground cover' plants in the pot, just be aware that they may grow quite lax due to the feeding for the rose.
I agree - they're a bit on the small side if anything. I'd prefer them to be at least 50% bigger.
I wouldn't plant perennials in with roses - a few summer bedding plants - e.g. petunias, or trailing lobelias - would be ok and would be happy with the higher level of nutrition too.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Ha! I knew you guys would come good. Thank you as ever ... I'll leave them as they are and I guess Dove, I should leave the perennials until the back end and then transplant them?
I think I'd leave the perennials as they are now, then move them when you transplant the roses into bigger containers in the autumn
But make sure the roses are getting enough water - leaf cover over the pot from the perennials will keep any rain away from the rose roots.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thanks Dove. A final question, just how big do the containers need to be and if you don't mind, why? The yellow rose you see is the Golden Shower variety and the other being the younger rose, is Madame Alfred Carriere. Both on north facing walls just in case the varieties and aspect are pertinent to the question.
David Austin recommends containers of at least 25litres or the size of half a barrel - and this is just for the bush roses suggested here http://www.davidaustinroses.co.uk/english/Advanced.asp?PageId=2018
Climbing roses are even bigger and need larger containers.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Got it! Thanks again
before you get a new planter have a look on ebay they've got some great style pots and tubs for plants I just got a huge one in tudor style great price as well
I will Ann Marie, thank you for the 'heads up'
Why not cluster some smaller containers around the rose container for your perennials/annuals? A cluster of different sizes always looks good.