Growing roses in containers is a challenge as they are naturally deep rooting and few will grow well with the constriction of a small volume of compost. For the best results grow plants in large and ideally deep pots. Large terracotta pots or deep
half barrels are best for both soil volume and stability.
Position the container before filling with compost as it may be too heavy to move once filled. Keep the pots raised on feet and add a drainage layer of gravel at the bottom to ensure good winter drainage. The best compost to use is a loam-based John Innes No 3 to which 10-20% multi-purpose compost or very well-rotted manure may be added for richness. Ideally pot up in November using bare-root plants.
Roses love sunshine and should receive sun for at least half the day. However the compost of container-grown plants must not be allowed to dry out or they will become more prone to mildew. If possible position the container so that it is shaded for part of the day leaving the plant in full sun.
Roses will use up the food reserves quickly and grow better if top-dressed each spring with a granular rose fertiliser. Additional feeding may be required following the manufacturer's recommendations, but avoid feeding after August as soft growth may be damaged by cold winters. Every other year remove the top few inches of compost and replace with a fresh layer.
The best roses for growing in containers are the patio and miniature types, which can be grown in fairly small but deep pots 23-35cm (9-14in) deep. Try growing less vigorous and more compact ground cover or climbing roses but use larger containers with a minimum of 30-45cm (12-18in) depth. Half standards can be used for a formal effect.
Miniature and patio roses
Rosa [Anna Ford] = 'Harpiccolo' (PBR) (Min/Patio) AGM
Rosa [Gentle Touch] = 'Diclulu' (PBR) (Min/Patio)
Rosa [Regensberg] = 'Macyoumis' (PBR) (F/Patio)
Rosa [Sweet Dream] = 'Fryminicot' (PBR) (Patio) AGM. Also suitable as a standard
Standards
Rosa Queen Mother = 'Korquemu' (PBR) (Patio) AGM
Rosa Robin Redbreast = 'Interrob' (PBR) (Min/GC)
Climbers
Rosa Laura Ford = 'Chewarvel'(PBR) (ClMin)AGM
Rosa Good as Gold = 'Chewsunbeam' (PBR) (ClMin)
Rosa Nice Day = 'Chewsea' (PBR) (ClMin) AGM
Rosa 'Phyllis Bide' (Ra) AGM
Rosa 'Aloha' (ClHT) AGM
Rosa 'Céline Forestier' (N) AGM
Ground cover
Rosa Berkshire = 'Korpinka' (PBR) (GC) AGM
Rosa Robin Redbreast = 'Interrob' (PBR) (Min/GC)
Rosa Kent = 'Poulcov' (PBR) (S/GC) AGM
Rosa Magic Carpet = 'Jaclover' (PBR) (S/GC) AGM
Cants of Colchester sell a range called 'Courtyard' TM
Climbers
Rosa Cascade = 'Poulskab' (PBR)
Rosa Pas de Deux = 'Poulhult' (PBR) (Cl)
Rosa Pink Fizz
Rosa Twist = 'Poulstri' (PBR) (Cl)
Rosa Waltz = 'Poulkrid' (PBR) (Cl)