How and when do I prune my floribunda rose bush?

Question

I have been given a rose bush, named after me(Little Jenny Wren) as a 60th birthday present from my grandchildren last month.

It says it will grow to 2-3 ft.

I have not yet planted it, just keeping it outside.

Shall I put it into a half barrel container so I can move it round or is it better to plant directly into the ground?

Also, when and how do I prune it?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Roses much prefer being in the ground.Preferably slightly heavy soil.Sunny spot and feed July and August.Spray off aphids with your hose.Hand pick off diseased leaves.Plant fairly deeply to avoid wind rocking.

Pruning is about one third off the actual height.T/Roses is more.Tidy,light prune in late October and proper prune in mid winter.Don't bother with any tecnicalities about pruning,just secateurs and cut off 30% off from each stem

Answer 2

The ground would be better. If you put it into any container, then you will have to feed it, perhaps twice a year. In the ground it will fend for itself.

I do a light prune in the autumn, so that the bushes will not get loosened in any strong winter wind. Then a heavier prune early in the New Year, but after the last frost (yeah, I know, which one is the last one !).

Whatever, enjoy it.

Answer 3

Nice present. I love roses.

This rose will not get too big so putting it in a pot would be ok, depending where you live. If you have cold winters you want to make sure the pot  is big enough to protect it from damage. And if it is in a pot you will have fertilize about once a month while growing season. The problem with the pot is you may have to change the soil every couple of years.

No matter whether you put it in a pot or the ground it will need at least 6 hours of sun, the more the better.

If you plant in the ground be sure to mulch them.

For pruning, remove any dead or diseased  leaves, stems, never allow them to stay on the bush.

When the flowers are done cut back at the first set of five leaves.

I hope this is helpful, Good luck with your new rose.

http://www.rosefile.com/RosePages/rcare....

http://www.raveplants.com/rosecare.htm#T...

Growing in pots

http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4...

Pruning roses

http://www.weekendgardener.net/how-to/pr...