Growing Rose Plants In Containers

Wild about roses? Limited on space? Don't despair! You can still enjoy the beauty of rose plants by growing them in patio containers. Container gardening isn't just for those short on space — you can bring the garden closer to your living spaces by adding roses to a patio or outdoor dining area, on a balcony, or to line a front walkway. All that is required is ample sun, preferably 6 hours per day, in your growing location.

Select the Correct Rose

Look for roses that are reblooming or have a long bloom cycle and ones that tend to grow on the more compact side, ideally not reaching more than 2 feet in height. The taller the rose grows, the larger the container you will need. When planning a vignette of several containers, select varieties with varying sizes and complementary bloom colors.

For shrub roses look for floribundas, grandifloras, or ground cover types. You can also grow climbing roses in larger containers with the aid of a trellis, either in the pot or anchored on an adjacent wall. Kordes Arborose varieties are bred to be grown in containers and perform well in tight locations. Climbing varieties include Honeymoon, Jasmina, Florentina, and Quicksilver rose. Browse our full selection of potted roses to find the perfect variety for your space.

Choose the Right Container

Your USDA Climate Zone will determine the container choices that are right for you. If you are in USDA Zone 5 or colder, select wood, double-walled plastic, fiberglass, or high-fired ceramic — all of these provide insulation over winter and hold up to the frost/freeze cycle.

For Zone 6 and warmer, you can also use terra cotta, glazed or unglazed ceramic, pottery, and concrete. When choosing a container, look for good drainage holes on the bottom. If the pot sits flat on the ground, use pot feet to elevate it for better drainage. Shop our range of garden pots and containers to find the right fit for your roses.

Rose Planting Tips

Use good quality potting soil made for container planting. Do not use manure products, as these can burn the tips and roots of young plants if not properly composted. Plant the rose in the center of the pot and leave several inches at the top to accommodate water and mulch. Gently work in an organic slow-release fertilizer around the base of the plant, then apply a layer of bark mulch or recycled rubber mulch to retain moisture and discourage weed growth.

Water on a regular basis, allowing the soil to just get slightly dry between waterings. The frequency will depend on the temperature and season at your location. Remember that container plants dry out much faster than those in the garden, especially in the heat of summer.

Maintenance, Fertilization, and Pest Control

Apply a liquid rose fertilizer throughout the growing season as directed. Stop fertilizing 4–6 weeks before your first expected frost to discourage new, tender growth that can become frost-burned. Browse our fertilizer collection for quality options suited to container roses.

Establishing a preventative disease and pest control routine is just as important as fertilizing. Alternate weeks between liquid fertilization and pest/disease control. For mildew prevention, GreenCure is a good organic option. For broader pest and disease control, Azaguard or any Safer Brand product works well — all are approved for organic growers and help prevent aphids, whiteflies, and other common rose pests. Consistency is key: prevent problems rather than trying to eliminate them.

Future Container Rose Maintenance

After a year or two, the rose will use up most of the nutrients in the container and may become root-bound — you'll need to repot. Use the same container with fresh soil, or move the plant into a larger pot or garden spot if possible.

If your container rose will stay outside year-round in a cold climate, choose a variety rated at least two USDA Hardiness Zones colder than your own. Use a weather-resistant container that won't crack in freezing weather, and water your rose until it is completely dormant.

When temperatures drop, add extra mulch on top of the soil to insulate the rose, keeping it slightly away from the trunk and branches. For extra winter protection, place mulch around the outside of the container as well.