The rose – the queen of plants for balconies and terraces

When it comes to the queen of plants, many hobby gardeners, collectors, and enthusiasts' hearts beat faster. No wonder, as few plants are as beloved as the rose.

Roses are among the most diverse species and offer endless design possibilities. Whether it’s a noble new hybrid or a historical rose – there is a perfect rose for every taste – guaranteed!

On the balcony or terrace, roses are of course only possible in pots, but they are possible. By now, there are countless varieties that thrive wonderfully in pots, containers, and window boxes, feeling just as comfortable there as they do in garden beds. On the terrace or balcony, they then bloom in various colors and patterns and look just as beautiful as in a rose garden. Roses love the sun and should be given a sunny spot. However, it is important to understand that while roses love and need the sun to grow healthy, they do not like heat. Therefore, roses in pots should not be placed on the dry south side. Terracotta has proven to be an ideal planting container for roses. Terracotta is breathable and offers sufficient protection even in cold weather. Excess water can easily evaporate through the material, preventing waterlogging. To ensure that no waterlogging occurs, a drainage layer made of gravel and broken clay pots can be added. Additionally, the pot should have a drainage hole.

Because roses have very deep roots, the container should provide enough space. Therefore, when planting roses in pots, always plan for a container that is at least 40 to 50 centimeters deep. Ideally, roses should be planted in high-quality potting soil with clay and sand content. Alternatively, special rose soil can also be used. It is enriched with sand, compost, and fertilizer, providing the roses with the optimal start. Autumn is the best time to plant roses. This applies not only to roses planted in garden beds but also to those in pots. When planting roses in a pot, the roots should never touch the edge of the container. The root ball is then covered with about 2 centimeters of soil, and the rose is well-watered. After that, it can be placed in its new location to enjoy the summer. Newly planted roses should be watered at least once a week. Later, it is sufficient to water them only during prolonged heat. Liquid fertilizer will be appreciated by the roses 4 to 5 times during the summer.

As beautiful as the roses bloom in the summer, making every gardener's heart beat faster, every gardening year eventually comes to an end, and it's time for them to go into winter dormancy. This is especially true for roses planted in pots. Container plants can be easily moved to their winter quarters in the winter, where they can prepare for the new gardening year.

For roses, it is particularly important that the soil in the winter quarters does not dry out and is kept evenly moist. In general, the roses should be kept in a cool, dark, and wind-protected location during the winter. The best place for this is a garage or a storage room.

Before going into dormancy, the roses get a new "haircut." After the flowers have bloomed, the faded parts of the roses can be removed. Another option to encourage quicker regrowth in the next gardening year is to cut off the entire bloom, including the next leaf. In the spring, the roses will then be freed from older shoots and start fresh in the new gardening year.