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Hybrid tea roses and floribunda roses Average height 75cm-120cm (21/2ft-31/2ft). Equally effective planted singly or in groups. Can be underplanted with ground cover, herbaceous perennial or bedding plants. Patio and miniature roses Average height 45cm (18ins). Ideal for hedging, planting in containers, on rockeries or as low hedges. Shrub roses/English roses Bushy roses which require little maintenance. They look good on their own or in borders with other shrubs and herbaceous perennials. Many varieties can also be used for hedging.

Climbing/rambling roses These have long shoots producing large clusters of flowers. Good for covering walls, fences or growing over arches and pergolas. Many can be used for growing through trees. Ground cover roses Low growing and spreading, ideal for ground cover, banks or growing in inaccessible areas. Good for growing in containers. Standard roses Many roses are grown on tall stems which make them eye-catching centre pieces in borders or large containers.

Buying your roses

Bare-root Roses

Available October to March, these should be planted immediately unless the soil is frozen or waterlogged. Some may be pre-packed in peat but should still be treated in the same way.

Roses in Containers

Although March to August is the suggested time, some suppliers also have roses available during Winter. Planted at any time provided they are kept watered during dry spells.

Planting your roses

Soil preparation is important and the following is the minimum requirement. Dig into the planting area about 5cm (2ins) of organic material such as well-rotted manure, garden compost or mushroom compost. DO NOT place fresh manure near the roots at any time as this will scorch them. It is best to apply a proprietary soil disinfectant and wait 6-12 months before replanting.

Bare-root roses

1. Dig a hole large enough to take all the roots - about 35 x 35 x 35cm (14 x 14 x 14ins).

2. Fork over the base to loosen the soil.

3. After placing the roots in the hole, replace half the soil and tread firmly in, adding a little water if dry. Ensure that there are no air pockets around the roots.

4. Replace the remaining soil, tread firmly and water in. The union of the branches and the roots should be just above soil level when planted - 2.5-5cm (1-2ins).

Roses in containers

1. Dig a hole large enough to take the container.

2. Remove rose from container taking care not to disturb the roots.

3. Place root ball in the hole and replace soil. Tread in firmly and water in as above.

Do not work the soil if it is too wet - if it sticks to your spade or shoes it is too wet. If the weather is frosty at night there is little need for concern.

Pruning your roses

Hybrid tea, floribunda, patio/miniature roses

1. Remove the dead wood. This will prevent certain pests and diseases.

2. Remove any weak growth as these would result in poor flowers.

3. Cut the remaining growth back to within

- For Hybrid Tea Rose 10cm (4").
- For Floribunda Rose 10cm (4").
- For Patio or Miniature Rose 10cm (4") of the previous season's growth.

Remember to remove any suckers; these are shoots growing from below the union on the root system.

Climbing and rambling roses

Train the main branches into a framework securing them to your chosen supports. Prune the end of each main branch to stimulate growth of the side shoots which will bear flowers.

Shrub and English roses

Trim back unwanted growth as and when necessary. (This includes any dead or weak growths).

Ground cover roses

These need little or no pruning except for removing any dead wood or weak stems. Long untidy growths may be trimmed back

Timing

Roses can be lightly trimmed in November and December provided the weather is mild; this will help to prevent larger specimens from moving in any strong winds, but the main pruning should be carried out early in the year.

All pruning should be completed by March 21st.

Winter care

January Leave alone
February Leave alone
March Pruning by 21st
April Leave alone
May 1st fertilizer application
June 1st fungicide application
July Dead head
August Continue fungicide application
September Cease fungicide application
October Commence planting
November Trim/Winter prune
December Mulch with manure