Linda Keese grows specialty antique roses in Texas. Her knowledge and understanding of roses is exceptional.
Elaine: Linda, do roses really grow well in plant pots?
Linda: Yes, but each rose should be matched to a pot by size and shape - the smaller the over-all mature size of the rose, the smaller the pot and vice-versa. The pot should be at least 1/3 the mature size of the rose plant for proper nutrients and water, and wide rather than narrow, because rose roots grow horizontally rather than with one long tap root. Canes (branches) that stray too far up or out should be pruned.
Elaine: Do you recommend plastic or ceramic pots for roses?
Linda: Glazed ceramic pots work better than plastic, but they are breakable. Double walled plastic pots work better than thin plastic or unglazed pottery.
Elaine: Are some roses better suited to pots?
Linda: Yes, generally smaller rose varieties are more suited to pot culture.
Elaine: Will the rose share her container with other plants?
Linda: A garlic plant or two might be okay, but planting more than one rose bush to a pot might spell disaster. It has been my experience that, for example, herb roots will far out-pace the rose roots and bind up nutrients causing a dire rose emergency.
Elaine: Do you grow any roses in pots in your own garden?
Linda: I have a white double, fragrant Lady Banks climbing rose in a 22 inch ceramic pot on my patio by the swing so I can smell her blooms in the spring. She needs pruning several times a year to keep her canes in check.
Elaine: What about fertilizer?
Linda: She needs a big bowl of water every day in the summertime and 2 tablespoons of liquid natural fertilizer in 2 gallons of water each week. Her canes reach up to the eave of the roof and drape down about 4 feet.
Elaine: Do you put trays under the pots?
Linda: As you water from the top you will also be feeding. Let the water drain and don't put a tray under each pot. Salt and other minerals from the watering and fertilizer will soak back up into the rose and slowly kill it.
Elaine: Should roses be re-potted?
Linda: Try to keep all containers a manageable size. Remove roses from their containers after 2 or 3 years, shave off an inch or two of outside roots and re-pot them in the same containers with new soil.
Needless to say, I haven't touched my Lady Banks rose in years. She is way too mature and heavy for me now and I'm too old and cranky. She has been in her container for 16 years and lets me know just what she needs.
Elaine: Can you recommend a specific rose suitable for pots?
Linda :Kronprincessin Viktoria has to be my favorite in a container. The fragrance is wonderful as with all Bourbon roses. Try planting her in a blue glazed pot and her branches will spill over the side covered in full white, double roses looking much like huge white peonies.
Linda gives more advice on how to create a rose garden.
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