There can be so many options when shopping for pots, but which one is best for you and your rose?

Choosing the Right Container: Why Size & Material Matter

While we usually recommend planting roses in the ground for overall health and longevity, there are certainly ways to be successful with container roses. For many, this may be a necessity due to issues with available space or soil, and for some, it's simply an aesthetic choice- because who doesn't want a beautiful patio?

First things first: We do not encourage you to plant a rose larger than 5' in a pot, and especially not climbers. Roses want as much room for their roots as they have for their above-soil growth, so this limited space will not be suitable for long-term health.

Customer-provided picture by C. Clarke featuring Doreen's Centennial.

See our recommendations on Container Roses here.

Pot size- how big does my container really need to be?

General rule of thumb: the bigger, the better. But if we're getting technical...

Background photo is La Vicomtesse.

PLEASE NOTE

Planting a rose 5+ feet, and especially climbers, in a container will void your guarantee.

If you're set on putting a larger rose (5+ feet)  in a container, we recommend knocking out the bottom of the pot and setting it on the ground, where it has access to soil when the roots grow deeper. If you're set on putting a climbing rose in a pot, stick to mannerly climbers (maximum 12'), and choose as large a pot as possible: 30+ gallons.

Types of Container Materials and their Pros & Cons

Background photo is Glass Slipper.

Drainage Holes

One of the most important pieces with growing roses in containers is ensuring they have adequate drainage. If necessary, drill or burn holes in the bottom of your pot to improve drainage. One drainage hole may not be enough for large pots. The ideal number is three to prevent root rot. 

TIP: Lift your pots slightly off the ground or the drainage saucer, even if just by half an inch. This will keep your pots from getting blocked up at the bottom.

Conclusion

We hope that with this guide, you will feel more comfortable about your container selections.

If you have any other questions regarding container roses, please see our other blogs or reach out to us at gardenquestions@weareroses.com.