Roses

Since ancient times, roses have been one of the most loved and cultivated flowers in the world. They have inspired poets, writers, artists and musicians, such as William Shakespeare, Victor Hugo, Claude Monet and Edith Piaf. Learn more about how to grow roses in your garden or on your balcony.

Popular rose varieties

There are many wild-growing species in the rose genus in Sweden. Water rose and rosehip rose are two examples. If you are going to grow roses in the garden or a pot, there is a very large number in the trade. Species that are suitable for Swedish gardens often flower from June until well into autumn. Here are some popular varieties:

• Large-flowered climbing rose, Penny Lane – Suitable as both a climbing rose and a shrub rose. It has large champagne-coloured flowers that bloom for a long time.
• Flora Danica large-flowered bedding rose – Compact bedding rose for those who appreciate pink roses. It has a nice scent and is beautiful as a cut flower.
• The Fairy – Has small pinkish flowers that sit in clusters. It is a ground-covering and very hardy rose that is also suitable for pots.
• Austin Rose, Graham Thomas – Is a classic British rose with deep red and strongly scented flowers. It grows to a height of about 1.5 metres and blooms until October.
• Floribundaros, Ingrid Bergman – It is a beloved rose that has dark red flowers with a sweet scent. Versatile, hardy and award-winning.

How to succeed in planting roses

There are some simple tricks to better succeed in growing roses:

• Plant the roses in a sunny spot and they will flower better.
• 40-60 cm is a good depth and width for the planting pit if you are going to grow roses.
• The tuber above the roots should be about 10 cm below the soil.
• You can improve the soil by mixing in fertiliser or rose soil.
• It is important to keep the soil moist during the first few weeks after planting.

You can plant roses in pot

By planting roses in pots, you can enjoy them even if you don’t have a garden. Here are some things to keep in mind to maximise your success in growing roses in pots:

• Choose a large pot with holes in the bottom for drainage. Roses need space for their roots and do not want to stand in wet soil.
• You can use leca balls to improve drainage.
• Use a nutrient-rich and mouldy soil that is adapted for roses, such as rose soil.
• Water the rose regularly and keep the soil moist but not wet.
• Fertilise in spring with an organic fertiliser suitable for roses, such as cow manure or bone meal.

Overwinter the rose in a cool and frost-free place, such as a garage, cellar or conservatory. Make sure that the soil does not dry out completely.

Tips on how to succeed in pruning roses

Growing roses involves regular care in the form of pruning.

• You shouldn’t prune roses too early, as this can damage the new shoots. Wait until they have started to grow.
• Use a sharp tool so that you get a clean cut.
• Aim to prune the roses just above a bud or branch that is pointing outwards. This will give your roses more light.
• Cut away branches that cross each other, look weak or have wilted.
• Remove wild shoots that grow out from the stem. They usually have a different appearance from the original rose.

Different types of roses should be pruned differently. Climbing and bush roses are pruned less than bedding roses. Cutting roses almost all the way to the ground can be a way to rejuvenate older roses. You cut them back when they are in their dormant phase, i.e. in autumn or spring.

Author: Johanna Damm

Fact-checked by Erik Hoekstra

Last updated 2023-12-11