You don’t need years of experience to grow gorgeous roses. Learn the basics, build your confidence, and get ready for loads of beautiful blooms!
Welcome to The Rose Library! Whether you’re brand new to growing roses, just starting out in gardening, or simply looking for a refresher, you’ve come to the right place.
At Heirloom™, we propagate and grow thousands of roses each year, delivering healthy, hardy, own-root roses to gardens across the United States and Canada. With more than 50 years of rose-growing experience, we’ve learned what helps roses truly thrive in all zones, and we’re here to help you succeed.
You’ve probably heard from the old myth that roses are difficult to grow, but that’s not true. The truth is newer varieties are more disease-resistant and resilient than the roses your grandmother was growing. Today’s modern roses are built for specific climates and need minimal care once established. If you have a garden, porch or patio—you can grow roses. Use our guide to find simple, proven techniques to help you at every stage: from planting and pruning to watering, fertilizing, and everything in between. Step by step, you’ll learn how to care for your roses and enjoy the beauty they bring season after season.
Getting Started with Own-Root Roses
Where Does Your Garden Grow?
The key to growing a garden that thrives starts with knowing your hardiness zone. If you’re new to gardening, you might be wondering, “What is a hardiness zone?!” Hardiness zones are areas (or zones) designated on a map that are determined by each location's average extreme temperatures. Once you know your garden’s hardiness zone, you can confidently shop for plants, like roses, that have been proven to thrive where you live.
Knowing your hardiness zone eliminates the guesswork of knowing if a plant will grow well in your location. New gardeners usually don’t pay much attention to their hardiness zone because the plants you find at your local garden center are curated specifically for your local area. But knowing your zone opens up a world beyond your local shops and lets you choose from limitless plants from all over the world. Flowers grown in Greece also do well in Los Angeles. Roses that thrive in the UK will perform similarly in the Pacific Northwest. And perennials that love the heat of Italian summers can thrive in Savannah, Georgia. Know your zone and expand your garden horizons!
Get to Know Your Garden
Lots can be changed in a garden. You can amend soil and increase or decrease watering routines, but the one thing you cannot change is the location of your home and the sunlight it receives.
Some perennials do well in shade or partial shade, but roses love sunlight, and most varieties require a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight to truly thrive. On a sunny day, note the position of the sun in your garden. You can take photos, record a time lapse, or take notes throughout the day, noting how much sunlight different areas of your outdoor space receive. This will help you choose the perfect spot for your next rose.
Next, get to know your soil. Roses grow best in soil with a pH of around 6.5. At this level, essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace minerals are most available to your rose. A simple soil test from your local garden center can help you understand what you’re working with.
Additional factors to keep in mind when planning where to plant roses:
Growth habit – Different roses grow in different ways. Climbing Roses and Ramblers need room to stretch and a structure like a fence or trellis to support their growth. Bush varieties such as Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, Grandifloras, Shrub Roses, David Austin Roses, and Old Garden Roses will vary in size, but most benefit from about 24 to 36 inches of space to grow and fill in naturally.
Rose characteristics – Think about how you want to experience your roses. Near a walkway, you may prefer a nearly thornless variety. Near a bench or patio, a highly fragrant rose can add another layer of enjoyment. You can also plan rose colors to complement surrounding perennials and create a cohesive look in your garden.
Grafted, Bare-Root, and Own-Root Roses: Why Heirloom™ Only Grows Own-Root
It is helpful to understand the different types of roses you may find in nurseries and stores. Many roses sold at big box stores are grafted, meaning two different roses are joined or budded together. The root system is one variety, while the flowering portion is another. This method is widely used because it is fast and efficient, but over time, the rootstock can take over the whole plant, or the graft point can become a weak spot that is susceptible to disease.
You may also see bare-root roses, which are shipped without soil while the plant is dormant. These are usually field-grown, then dug up and pruned before being shipped to garden centers. These types of roses are only available during a short seasonal window and must be planted at the right time of year. Bare-root roses can be grafted or own-root.
Own-root roses are grown differently than grafted roses. Each plant is propagated from cuttings, so the roots and the blooms are the exact same variety, growing as one complete plant. This process takes longer, but it results in a rose that is naturally hardy, long-lasting, and true to type from root to bloom.
One of the biggest benefits of own-root roses is flexibility. You can plant them when the timing works best for you and your garden. At Heirloom™, every rose is grown on its own roots and shipped healthy and ready to thrive. Roses arrive defoliated, with leaves and blooms removed to reduce stress during transit and help the plant focus its energy on continuing to establish strong roots once planted in your garden. Expect to see new growth within a few weeks.
Planting Roses
When Is the Best Time to Plant Own-Root Roses?
In general, own-root roses can be planted from about six weeks after your last frost date through six weeks before your first frost date. For most gardeners, this means planting from mid to late spring through mid to late fall, depending on your hardiness zone.
If your ground is still too cold or you are not quite ready to plant, you can still plan ahead with confidence. When you order own-root roses from Heirloom™, you can select a future ship date, and your rose will be cared for in the greenhouse until it is ready to head to your garden.
How to Plant Own-Root Roses
Planting your own-root rose is simple, just follow these five steps:
Step 1: Dig your hole. Prepare a hole 24” wide and 24” deep. This gives the roots of your rose plenty of room to establish and grow. If you are planting in a container, choose a pot of similar size with proper drainage.
Step 2: Prepare your soil. Healthy soil creates a strong foundation. Remove soil from the hole, mix with potting soil, and amend with 100% Natural Aged Cow Manure, compost, and bone meal per package instructions. Do not use soil premixed with granular fertilizer.
Step 3: Plant your rose. Carefully remove your rose from its container or compostable packaging and place it in the center of your prepared hole. Fill the hole with the soil mixture you prepared in step 2.
Step 4: Water well. Water deeply after planting to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. This is an important step in helping your rose adjust to its new home.
In the first few weeks after planting, continue to water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist while your rose establishes its roots. This early care sets the stage for strong, healthy growth.
Step 5: Add mulch. Finish by applying a layer of mulch around the base of your rose; we recommend 100% Natural Mint Compost. This helps to repel aphids, spider mites, and other harmful insects while also helping to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds.
Planting roses is that easy, but if you’re looking for even more in-depth information, read all the details in our guide to Planting Own-Root Roses.
Watering
Water is essential for the overall health of your garden, and roses are no exception.
How Much Water Do Roses Need?
As a general rule, roses need about 2” to 3” of water per week, or roughly 4 to 5 gallons per plant, with some exceptions:
Water newly planted roses 2–3 times per week to help the rose bush get established. As the plant matures, you can shift to deep watering once a week.
In cooler seasons like spring and fall, allow time for the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
In extreme heat, monitor your roses. Drooping foliage or 1”–2” of dry soil at the base of your rose indicates it’s time to water.
The goal is always the same though: deep, consistent watering that encourages strong root growth deep into the soil.
When Is the Best Time to Water Roses?
The best time to water your roses is early in the morning. This is your pajama task. Pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee and start your day in the garden.
Watering in the cool of the day allows moisture to soak into the soil before it can evaporate, giving your rose the hydration it needs. It also allows any water on the foliage to dry throughout the day, which helps prevent common issues like black spot.
Avoid watering in the evening when possible, as moisture sitting on leaves overnight can lead to disease.
How to Water Your Roses
When watering roses, focus on the base of the plant. Apply water within a 12” perimeter around the base to ensure it reaches the root zone where it is needed most.
You can use a watering can, hose, or drip system, but the key is to water slowly and deeply. This encourages roots to grow downward into the soil, creating a stronger, more resilient rose bush.
Every so often, you can rinse the entire plant, including the foliage, to remove dust and discourage pests. If you do this, choose a sunny morning so the leaves have time to dry completely throughout the day.
With a consistent watering routine and a little observation, you will quickly learn what your roses need. Want to sink your roots deeper? Learn more details about watering roses.
Fertilizing
Healthy roses need the right nutrition. When your roses are properly fed, you will see the difference in every part of the plant, from rich green foliage to strong canes and abundant blooms.
Fertilizing can feel daunting to new gardeners, but we promise, it isn’t as complicated as it may seem. Once you understand what your roses need and when to feed them, it becomes a simple part of your rose routine.
What Nutrients Do Roses Need?
Roses rely on three primary nutrients, often listed on fertilizer labels as N-P-K.
Nitrogen (N) supports healthy leaf and stem growth above the soil.
Phosphorus (P) encourages strong root development below the soil.
Potassium (K) promotes overall plant health, helping roses produce blooms and build resilience.
In addition to these macronutrients, roses benefit from important micronutrients that support long-term health and vigor.
Calcium helps strengthen stems and supports proper bud development.
Magnesium plays a key role in producing deep green foliage.
Iron supports rich leaf color, while elements like manganese and zinc help your rose absorb and use nutrients more efficiently.
A well-balanced fertilizer, like our Founders Fish Fertilizer™, will include both macro and micronutrients that will set your roses up for steady, healthy growth.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer for Roses
Choosing the right fertilizer makes feeding simple and effective. At Heirloom™, we recommend a few trusted options depending on your rose’s stage of growth.
Founders Fish Fertilizer™ – an all-natural, liquid fertilizer that supports strong growth and encourages beautiful blooms. We recommend this one for the first year growing your rose and for all roses grown in containers. Apply every 2–3 weeks during the growing season.
OmniMeal™ – a slow-release fertilizer designed to provide plants with long-lasting nourishment over an extended period. Apply monthly during the growing season.
Heirloom™ Boost & Bloom™ – a granular fertilizer designed for established, ground-planted roses in their second year and beyond that promotes increased bloom production while supporting overall plant health and vigor. Apply every 60 days during the growing season.
When to Fertilize Your Roses
Fertilizing schedules are dependent on weather, here’s our seasonal fertilizing breakdown.
Spring and Summer
Start fertilizing once your rose shows 4” to 6” of new growth and a mature leaflet with five to seven leaves. This is your signal that the plant is actively growing and ready to be fed. For first-year roses, use a liquid fertilizer like Founders Fish Fertilizer™.
As your roses become established (in their second year), you can incorporate options like OmniMeal™ or transition to Heirloom™ Boost & Bloom™ to support ongoing growth and flowering.
Fall
As the season begins to slow, your rose’s needs will shift. Focus on supporting root development rather than new top growth.
Use low-nitrogen options such as Bone Meal to help strengthen roots for the following season. Stop fertilizing 6 to 8 weeks before your first frost so your roses can naturally prepare for dormancy.
Fall is a great time to plant a rose. If you plant a new rose in the fall, wait to begin fertilizing until spring when the plant comes out of dormancy and begins actively growing.
Want even more in-depth information on fertilizing your own-root roses? Check out our tips.
Pruning
Cutting back your rose bush can seem intimidating, but we promise, once you understand the basics of pruning, it's a simple and essential step in caring for your roses. Roses are very resilient and will grow back!
The Importance of Pruning Roses
Pruning helps to shape your rose bush and direct its energy where it matters most. By removing old or unproductive growth, you improve airflow, reduce the risk of disease, and improve the overall health and vigor of your plant, resulting in glossier foliage, stronger canes, and better blooms.
When to Prune Roses
The best time to prune most roses is in early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge. Look for swelling buds or small shoots forming along the canes. This is your sign that the rose is waking up and ready to grow.
Throughout the growing season, you can also lightly prune to shape your plant, remove spent blooms, and cut away any dead or damaged growth.
In the fall, do light pruning to prevent winter damage but avoid heavy pruning. Let your rose begin to slow down naturally as it prepares for dormancy.
Recommended Pruning Tools
Using the right tools makes pruning easier and more effective.
A good pair of Flora Bypass Pruners is essential for clean cuts on smaller canes. For thicker, more established growth, loppers provide the extra strength you need. Keeping your tools sharp and clean helps protect your rose and ensures smooth cuts that heal quickly.
At Heirloom™, we recommend using high-quality pruners, loppers, and shears designed specifically for garden use to make the job simple and comfortable.
How to Prune Your Roses
Pruning is actually a lot easier than you think.
At Heirloom™, we use the PRUNE approach as our guide when we are cutting back all of our roses, except the Climbers:
P – Prepare the plant. Start by cutting your rose back to about waist height so you can work safely and clearly see the structure of the rose bush. This makes the rest of the process much easier.
R – Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Next, remove anything that is no longer healthy. Look for canes that are dry, black, or shriveled, as these will not produce new growth. Also remove any canes that are crossing or rubbing, as they can create weak spots on the plant.
U – Understand the plant. Take a step back and look at your rose as a whole. Think about the shape you want to create as it grows. When making your cuts, prune about a quarter inch above an outward-facing bud at a 45-degree angle. This encourages new growth to move outward and helps create an open, balanced shape.
N – Nothing left behind. Once you’ve finished pruning, clean up all cuttings, leaves, and debris from around the base of the plant. Keeping the area clean helps reduce the risk of disease and keeps your rose healthy.
E – Enjoy your roses. That’s it! Step back and enjoy your work. If you’d like to bring blooms indoors, you can cut stems just above the first set of five leaves and place them in water to enjoy inside.
You can also shape your rose by cutting back longer canes to create a more uniform growth habit. Don’t worry about being exact. Roses are resilient and respond well to thoughtful pruning, and with each season, your confidence will grow right along with them.
Become a rose pruning expert by finding even more information in this step-by-step guide.
Have a Climber? Check out our Climber Pruning Guide instead.
Deadheading
Deadheading is a simple step that keeps your roses looking fresh and encourages continuous blooming throughout the season.
What Is Deadheading and Why Does It Matter?
Deadheading is the process of removing spent blooms after they have finished flowering. When you remove faded flowers, this redirects energy into bloom production rather than seed production. This channels all that energy into encouraging new growth while also maintaining the shape and overall health of your rose bush.
How to Deadhead Roses
Follow the stem of a spent bloom down to the first set of five healthy leaves. Make a clean cut just above that leaflet, at a 45-degree angle. This is where strong new growth will emerge, leading to another round of blooms.
For clusters of roses, remove the entire cluster once all blooms have faded. Pro tip: When the center rose on a cluster of blooms opens, deadhead it to force the other buds to open simultaneously.
When to Deadhead
Deadheading can be done regularly throughout the growing season as blooms fade.
In late fall, you can stop deadheading. This signals to the plant that it’s time to slow down and prepare for dormancy.
For more information on deadheading roses, head over to this guide.
Transplanting
Sometimes a rose needs a new home. Whether you are redesigning your garden, moving, or your rose has outgrown its space, transplanting is easy with the right approach.
When to Transplant Roses
The best time to transplant roses is during cooler weather, either in early spring or fall. This allows the plant to focus on root development rather than supporting top-heavy blooms.
Avoid transplanting during extreme heat, as this can add stress to the plant.
How to Transplant Roses
Start by preparing your rose. The day before you plan on moving your plant, water your rose deeply to help reduce stress and prepare the root system.
Next, prepare the new location for your rose in advance, following the same steps outlined in the planting section—digging a 24” x 24” hole and preparing the soil.
When you are ready to move your rose, begin by digging several inches away from the base of the bush to preserve as much of the root ball as possible. You want to dig in a circle around your plant before gently lifting the rose from the ground while keeping those roots intact.
Backfill with prepared soil and water thoroughly to help the roots settle into their new home.
Caring for Transplanted Roses
After transplanting, your rose will need a little extra care as it adjusts.
Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist while the roots reestablish. You may notice some temporary stress, such as drooping or slowed growth, but this is normal.
Avoid fertilizing immediately after transplanting. Give your rose time to settle in before resuming a regular feeding schedule.
Want even more information on transplanting roses? We have just article for you.
Seasonal Rose Care
As the weather changes, so do your rose’s needs.
In spring and summer, focus on watering, feeding, pruning, and enjoying blooms.
In fall, begin to reduce feeding and allow your roses to prepare for dormancy.
In winter, your roses rest. This is a time for planning, light maintenance, and looking ahead to the next growing season.
Get Gardening
Growing roses doesn’t have to be complicated.
At Heirloom™, we are here to support you every step of the way. From our carefully grown own-root roses to our trusted care resources and exceptional customer service, everything we do is designed to help you and your garden succeed.
We stand behind every rose we grow with our one-year guarantee, giving you peace of mind as you plant and grow your garden.
