Happy Birthday Roses

These compact rose bushes will thrive in a container on a patio or in a sunny spot in the garden. In the first year of flowering they can even be enjoyed in their pot on a patio or in a bright but cool room. They will bring delight for several years if you follow a few simple rules

Your rose needs light if it is to flourish. Indoors, the cooler the room, the longer the flowers will last. Outdoors choose a sunny sheltered spot.

Whilst your plant is in its pot, water regularly, pouring cold water down the middle of the plant until water starts to run out of the bottom of the pot. The soil should be slightly moist at all times. If the pot feels light, or you can see the compost shrinking away from the edge then they need more water. You can use liquid feed while flowering but it is not essential.

You can plant your rose out into the garden either upon arrival or once it has finished flowering for the summer. Choose a sunny site with well draining soil and water thoroughly before planting out. Roses like compost and in hot weather, a mulch is a good way to ensure the roots retain water.

These are long flowering roses, and in the right position can continue to flower right up until the first frosts. Cut back the dead flowers to allow the plant to open more buds and trim back any withered shoots to keep the plant neat. Roses can be susceptible to aphids so keep an eye on your plant and try to catch and remove any bugs early. Soap and water, pest sprays and biological controls can all be used as a last resort.