Shawntiah, what a pretty name. Welcome to the forum. There are some very knowledgable rosarians here to answer questions. I'm not one of them, but I'll tell you what I do because I have the same problem. Drainage is terrible in hard packed clay soil. And, when it does drain off, it leaves a sticky, glue-like mud that will pull your shoes right off your feet. I dig very large planting holes (at least 2'x2' for own root bands and larger for potted 3 gal. roses) and back fill with some of the native soil, compost and a few handfuls of perlite or vermiculite and/or pine fines - the kind you buy for bunny cages. But, the most important thing is a deep hole so water can drain away from the rose roots.

Heavy clay soil isn't all bad. It retains moisture during hot, dry spells, and it usually has more nutrients. But, for that, we pay a price of poor drainage. You have some beautiful roses and it sounds like you know what you're doing. I hope deeper holes will solve your problem sufficiently.

Natural pine straw mulch is what the Biltmore uses in their extensive rose gardens and from that I think you must be in the south. Just keep it away from the canes when it's soggy and the temps start to rise, so all that moisture doesn't cause canker.

Hi Shawntiah,

It might be easier to find a place in your yard that isn't as prone to collecting water and re-home Pope John Paul II there... If water is collecting in a heavy clay soil, it can be hard to change that situation. If there is a lower part of your yard you might be able to dig a French drain along the rose bed so that the water will tend to drain down to the lower area instead. I'm not an expert on canker, but the advice I have read about it indicates that it is mostly transmissible on pruning implements. So if you are worried about it infecting your other roses, be sure to clean your secateurs between plants when pruning, deadheading, or cutting roses for bouquets. I hope this helps!

Welcome, Shawntiah! It sounds like you’re off to a great start with your roses! If you are willing, it does help folks to give you regional advice if you share your location. Regardless of where you live, you’ll get great information on this forum, and from the kindest folks! I’m so grateful for all that I’ve learned from this group!

The only thing I‘d add is that you can also build up your planting area, by just mounding the soil or creating a raised bed to help with drainage.

Its not unusual to have wet soil just after heavy rains, but how quickly it drains is most important. You can test it this way: dig a small hole about 12” deep near that rose, and fill it with water. After it drains refill it again, and then time how long it takes to drain. More than 24 hours is too long, and you‘ll need to do some reshaping of the bed to make better drainage. If it’s drained in less than 24 hours, some organic matter to lighten things should be enough. :-)

Building up helps, I have a similar spot and that is what I did, although not with Rose's but fussier

I live in Mississippi, zone 8A. Thanks everyone for the advice!

Compost and Wood. Lotsa OM helps. I had one area that would slightly pool after rain. After a couple years of continual OM ontop, no more pooling of water can be observed. It can't get any easier - just takes time for OM to do it's thing..

What’s OM?

I believe it’s organic matter.

Oh wow. Need more coffee.

Thanks!