Question
We had our first child in June & wanted to send a rose in her honor to the grandparents who live in central North Carolina. The ad says it is a Floribunda rose w/pink blooms & grows 2ft. I was wondering if this rose bush is suitable for NC & when is the best time to plant it? I may have waited too late to send them if planting is better in the fall ( I have heard). What is your opinion?

Thank you,

Amy

Answer
A floribunda will do okay in North Carolina so there is no worry about that. Planting in the fall is the best time as the roots will get a good head start for the next spring. As for whether or not it is too late to send it, roses can be planted as long as the soil can be worked. You should however make sure they protect the rose for the winter. Making a 12 inch mound around the base of the rose bush is the best way to do it. Use any type of mulch they can get in the area or soil from another part of the garden so as not to take it away from around the new root area. If a new rose gets frozen it will only go down to 12 inches.Any rose will come back from 3 inches so 12 inches is good protection. Hope this helps.