Question
My husband got me a rose plant this past spring.  We live in northeast PA and the temp is definitely getting colder.  It is still on our deck and I would like to plant it.  Can I plant it now or do I need to wait for the spring?  If so, what should I do during the winter?

Thanks so much!

Answer
What a thoughtful gift your husband dreamed up.  Roses are long-lived and can last a lifetime with the right care.

This is definitely something you must take care of very soon, getting your Rosebush into the ground so that it can be mulched and protected during the winter.  The hole should be prepared carefully as Roses are superheavy feeders and also need great drainage.  At the same time, Roses need a cold period to set buds.  You can't do that if it's indoors all winter.

Dig 2 feet down into the ground in the sunniest spot in the yard, with full sun.  It should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun every day.

Add plenty of humus, compost and other organic matter to the hole you have dug for your Rose, and throw in several large cupfuls of Bonemeal.  Tap the Rose container hard on its side to loosen the Rosebush and remove it.  Plant it in the hole you've prepared.

Indent the area around the Rose stem, to encourage collection of water there.

Water heavily and let it soak into the newly planted Rosebush's hole.  In a few weeks you'll probably want to mulch as winter protection.

If you give me the name and/or type of Rose you received, I can give you more details about the kinds of care it will need to do well.

rsvp and of course you're free to ask more questions or clarifications as well.