Tools and Materials
The Best Roses for Containers
There are many types of roses, but there are a select few that work best in containers. We'll explore what they are and how to ensure they'll thrive.
Miniature Roses
Miniature roses are the little siblings of the rose family. They're small and can be grown in containers or small gardens. Even though they're tiny, they produce multiple, beautiful blooms. Due to their smaller size, you don’t have to worry about them outgrowing their space.
Miniature Rose Colors
- Bi-color and Striped
- Lavender and Purple
- Orange
- Peach
- Pink
- Red
- White
- Yellow
Dwarf Floribundas
Floribundas are rounded and elegantly-shaped roses. They bloom a lot, giving an abundance of flowers throughout the season. Dwarf floribundas are the more petite version of floribundas. They're pretty, colorful and fit nicely into pots. This makes them easy to manage and great for places with limited space.
Dwarf Floribunda Colors
- Bi-color and Striped (pink and yellow, red and white)
- Lavender and Purple
- Orange
- Peach, Coral and Apricot
- Pink
- Red
- White, Cream and Ivory
- Yellow
Patio Roses
Patio roses are specifically designed for container gardening. They're hardy plants and work well in a planter. Plus, they look great, adding charm to your patio or balcony.
Patio Rose Colors
- Bi-color and Multi-toned (ex. pink and yellow)
- Orange
- Peach, Coral and Apricot
- Pink
- Red
- White, Cream and Ivory
- Yellow
Climbing Roses
While climbing roses are generally bigger, they can also be grown in containers if they have something to climb on like a trellis. They need a bit more care to ensure they don’t tip over or become too heavy for the pot, but they can make a lovely flowery display in your outdoor space.
These roses like to grow upwards, like vines. They're great for covering fences or walls because they can get pretty tall or spread out.
Climbing Rose Colors
- Bi-color and Multi-toned (ex. coral, pink and yellow)
- Orange
- Peach, Coral and Apricot
- Pale Pink to Deep Pink
- Red
- White, Cream and Ivory
- Yellow
How To Grow Roses In Containers: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know the different types of roses that can be grown in containers, it's time to follow these step-by-step directions to growing beautiful roses.
Additional Care Tips
Repot Regularly
A rose plant in a container should be repotted every 2-3 years. Roses tend to absorb the soil's nutrients quickly, so it's good to replenish with fresh soil. It also stops harmful salt build-up from too much fertilizer. Place the old soil in the compost bin.
Keep Them Warm in Winter
Roses in pots need extra care in cold weather. Make sure your rose can handle temperatures two zones colder than yours. Find your zone.
Option 1: For cold protection, layer 4-6 inches of mulch on top of the soil. Don't allow the mulch to touch the plant stems.
Option 2: Use plant protection, such as a frost cloth, bubble wrap or old blankets around the pot. The plant needs airflow, so don't cover the top of the plant.
Option 3: Lastly, you can opt to move your rose indoors to a sunny spot. Once the rose is dormant (typically after 2-3 frosts), you can move it to a shed or garage. However, temperatures should stay above 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Address Pests And Diseases
Roses in containers can get the same bugs and diseases as garden roses. If you see bugs like aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles or thrips, you'll need to use a disease control product. Follow the directions as instructed.
To lower the risk of mildew and black spot, always ensure there's good air flow.
Learn how to treat black spots on roses.
Pruning
Pruning is also crucial for your plant's health and shape. Do this early in spring or as needed. First, you'll cut away all the dead stems. Cut inward-growing stems and then shape the plant, so the healthy canes are spread outward. Next, you'll cut at a 45-degree angle any bud that points away from the center. Cut 1/4-inch above the bud. Dispose of all the debris. Learn more about pruning roses.
Let's Get Started
Roses are a beautiful addition to your space, but not everyone has the room for a large garden. For tiny yards, decks or patios, consider roses in containers. You still get the beautiful color and aroma in a smaller footprint. The roses that work best in a planter or pot are miniature roses, patio roses, climbing roses and dwarf floribundas.
Next, you'll need to plant your new roses. Here are the five steps.
Step 1: Select a Container
Step 2: Prepare the Potting Soil
Step 3: Plant the Rose
Step 4: Water the Soil
Step 5: Fertilize as Needed
If you're ready to get started, shop online or visit your local Lowe's.