When to plant Roses in the UK

Plant bare-root roses around mid-November to early February in well-prepared, free-draining soil. Only plant if the ground is open, not frozen or wet. Spread the roots out. Set the graft union just at or slightly below soil level. Firm in well. Cut back the main stems by about half to an outward-facing bud. Water in well. They flower next summer.

During the first growing season after planting, keep the soil evenly moist from mid-May to early October. Water deeply at the base in dry spells and keep mulch clear of the stems.

From mid-June to late October, remove faded flowers back to a strong leaf pair. This keeps repeat-flowering roses producing new buds.

From mid-April through mid-May, give a balanced rose feed or general-purpose fertiliser. Water it in well.

• A second feed after the first flush of flowers helps repeat flowering.

Prune around mid-February to mid-March, before strong growth starts. Do not prune into frozen wood. Remove dead, damaged, and crossing shoots. Shorten the remaining stems to an outward-facing bud.

After leaf drop around early October to late November, clear fallen leaves and any diseased material from under the plant. Do not cut the shrub to the ground. Leave the framework in place.