Rosa Generosa William Christie

Roses prefer a sunny location (at least 4 to 5 hours of sun per day) but sheltered from the scorching midday rays and strong winds. They appreciate loose, permeable, deep, and fertile soils. They prefer a neutral to slightly acidic soil, but will adapt to any garden as long as the soil is well worked and sufficiently rich. To plant your rose in a pot, work the soil to a depth of 25 cm (10in) by crumbling the soil and placing a bottom amendment such as dried blood or dehydrated horn, position your seedling in the new pot by covering the top of the root ball with 3 cm (1in) of soil, fill in and water generously to remove air pockets. In dry weather, it is necessary to water regularly for a few weeks to facilitate rooting. Also, remember to provide your rose with special rose fertiliser that stimulates plant flowering. Prune its branches by one third each spring.