| I received a carpet rose of yours as a gift. This particular carpet rose is in the form of a rose tree approximately three feet tall. Since carpet roses are a ground cover rose I wonder if this rose is grafted to another rose root system. Should this rose tree be planted in my rose garden area or is it intended to be used as a potted plant. If it is to be potted then what do I do with it in the winter. I need planting and pruning information on this rose tree. |
| As you suspect, the top of your plant has been grafted onto a vigorous rootstock to produce a tree-like appearance. You can keep your tree rose in a container or plant it in the ground. Either way, provide a sunny site and water as often as necessary to keep the soil from completely drying out. To maintain the tree-like shape, prune the top by cutting back any overly long stems, and regularly removing spent flowers, along with some of the stem. This will keep the top neat and trim, and encourage the development of additional blooms. Whether your tree is kept in a container or planted in the ground, it will winter over outdoors in your gardening region. No special treatment is necessary. When planting in the ground, dig a hole larger than the rootmass, then place a small mound of soil in the bottom of the hole. Drape the largest roots over the mound of soil so they fall naturally, then backfill around the roots, gently tamping the soil down as you go. When the hole is completely filled, build a basin around the plant to hold water. Then water well by flooding the basin with water and allowing it to percolate down into the soil. This will provide water to the entire root mass. Enjoy your new tree rose! |
