FIRESTAR Roses

Growing Tips

Planting Instructions for “Firestar or Firestar Phoenix Rose”

For your “Bare Rooted” “Firestar or Firestar Phoenix Rose”

(If you bought your rose “bare rooted”, trimmed and packed in sawdust online, by mail, or in a retail store)

• Make sure roots are kept wet until ready for planting
• Dig a planting hole twice as wide as roots and combine well-decomposed compost
• Create a small mound in planting hole for roots to sit on
• Position plant so that the main stem or graft is approximately 25 mm above soil
• Backfill with soil, combining some slow release fertilizer (NPK)
• Water well by deep soaking
• Trim back half the stem length (see image)

For your potted “Firestar or Firestar Phoenix Rose” – any time of the year

• Dig a hole larger than pot and combine slow release fertiliser (NPK) with soil in the base of the hole.
• Remove well watered plant from pot without disturbing roots
• Place into hole and gently backfill with soil
• Water well by deep soaking
• Trim back stems by half if planting during winter when plants are dormant

General Requirements:

• Position your “Firestar or Firestar Phoenix Rose” to receive at least a half day of sun
• Don’t plant around established tree or shrub roots
• Select a well-drained soil medium
• Plant right up to the “bud graft” level
• Water well after planting and mulch soil surface

Position:

• Roses require a sunny position with at least half a day of sun exposure
• Avoid rocky, coarse soils and badly drained soils
• Avoid old rose beds unless the soil has been altered and rejuvenated
• For a massed effect plant approximately 80cm apart

Preparation:

• Mix well-decomposed compost into soil

Watering:

• Water regularly via deep soaking, especially after planting
• Always water at base of plant, avoid overhead watering
• Apply a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture

Feeding Times (for Australia):

• In August, use a reputable and balanced NPK fertiliser
• In December, feed with half strength fertilizer, then feed again in late February

Pruning:

• “Firestar or Firestar Phoenix Rose” needs no major pruning in the first two years but can be lightly trimmed
• After two years remove old wood during winter
• Trim flowering stems by approximately two thirds
• Remove spent flower heads in summer to promote extra flower growth

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