Step 1: Prepare your pot for planting
Start by placing blocks of polystyrene at the bottom of your pot; these will help the rose to drain adequately throughout the season. Next, begin to fill your pot with a mix of John Innes No. 3 Potting Compost and multi-purpose compost. As you fill the pot it’s important to use your hand to lightly press the compost so that you don’t get any air pockets. Carry on filling your pot until it is approximately halfway full.

Step 2: Position your rose in the pot
At this point it is important to check that your rose will fit nicely into the pot. Place your potted rose into the pot and note the difference in height between the rim of the pot and the union of your rose. Ideally, we’d like to see the union sitting a couple of inches below the rim of the pot.

Step 3: Fill-in around your rose with compost
Next, remove the rose from its container, ensuring you are wearing gardening gloves. We recommend tapping the sides of the pot which should ease the rose gently out, leaving the root structure undisturbed. Place your rose into the centre of the pot and continue to fill with your compost mix, firming the soil as you go.

Step 4: Water your rose
Finally, give your newly planted rose a thorough watering, allowing moisture to penetrate the soil and roots.

Plant images copyright David Austin Roses.