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Repotting Roses

21 years ago

I have some roses in pots in my back garden which have been growing really well these past few years. They are at the stage now where I will need to replace the potting mix and give them a good dose of sheep poo etc. Is the best time to do this in the winter after I've pruned them, or can I do the repotting before I prune? Logically, it's probably best to wait until July, so I've probably answered my own question, but some reassurance and confirmation from the rosie folks out there would be appreciated. Thank you!

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Comments (5)

rosesforme
21 years ago
I have grown roses in pots for 3 years. I have repotted some successfully at any time.
Its good to add some rooting powder or Miracle-Gro in the soil before you plant.
They need lots of water for a few days-a week.
Good Luck!
Daniel_Hanna
21 years ago
Sarah, I would wait till July. You could probably get away with it at other times, but the risk is higher. At minimum there would be a setback in flowering for the current season, so why not enjoy the next few months of flowering.
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Thanks Dr. Manners - that confirms my impressions of the differences in our soils. I probably have the opposite kind of soil to yours - loamy dark brown clay with a good mix of organic material and still lightweight if there's enough moisture. I've heard that our soils can get into trouble if you add too much phosphate in particular as that can build up in soils. I usually add some 10-10-10 to the vegetable garden but nothing except composted manure and alfalfa and leaf mulch top dressed around the roses when mature. Nice when my inclination to be a lazy gardener is backed up by science! Cynthia
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ginnybee
21 years ago
I think I would wait till the winter prune that way they are dormant & there should be no set back, plus I have visions of you repotting in full growth (thorns)
Jan.
sarah1
Original Author
21 years ago
Thanks for your advice - as I thought. At least I have a few months to work out how many bags of potting mix I'll need!
rosesforme
21 years ago
Actually reading these posts,I think you are right Daniel.
I have repotted some where the flowering was delayed a bit so waiting till they are dormant would be a good idea.
I had to repot as some were rootbound and one was not growing well.

MIchelle

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