Thanks,

Andrea

Check the root system on the rose before you buy it--if the roots are wound and wound around inside the pot, don't buy it. Why? This is because it means the plant has been sitting and sitting, probably in less than ideal circumstances. Start with fresh roses. You don't buy old dried out spotted fruit at the grocery store, why do that with roses?

Dig a hole that is the same depth as the bud union of the plant is tall (measure from bud union downwards to the bottom of the pot), but two or three times the diameter of the pot. Why? This is because it prevents the plant from sinking too much. Also, most roots are in the top 12" of soil because that is where the oxygen and water is, so deeper is not better. You could take a garden fork and stab holes in the bottom of the hole if you like, for adding a bit of extra oxygen deeper in the soil.

Wear gloves when handling the plant. Let me repeat: wear gloves. Because it makes the job so much easier.

Plant the bud union at, or just slightly below grade. This is because if it is too high, you encourage rootstock suckers. If too low, you are moving out of the zone in which plant roots are happiest. Your part of California does not endure frigid winters. If it did, it would be best planting the bud union several inches below grade.

Do not damage the roots if at all possible. This is because open wounds on the roots allow Gall infection into the plant, which in the long run will kill it. Try never to damage the roots. Root/Crown gall is a problem in California.

Finally don't worry too much. In California roses are one of the easiest plants to grow.

Well that's a start. Others will have more to say.

I was going to try E.B. Stone 'ROSE GROW PLANTING MIX'.

You said not to over amend the soil. How much should of this kind of mix should I add to the dirt dug from the hole?

Andrea