When and How Much to Water Newly-Planted Roses

Late winter and early spring are prime for planting roses. The cool conditions and seasonal moisture allow them to acclimate without exposing tender growth to freezing or hot situations. They’re ready to take off with the active growing season, first directing energy to developing roots and leafy upper growth and then to flowering.

A thriving, mature rose in the right spot is relatively easygoing. Average rainfall often supplies enough moisture, and they even withstand drought. All roses appreciate evenly moist soils and supplemental irrigation during prolonged dry spells. Newly planted roses, especially, need regular water to develop robust roots for healthy growth. They benefit from more frequent watering sessions.

Setting up roses for years of vigor and enjoyment means starting with healthy, organic, well-draining soils and consistent moisture accessible to young roots. Proper watering ensures nutrient delivery and circulation from the base of the roots to the tips of the stems for floriferous shrubs. We’ll explore when and how much to water new roses to kickstart growth and sustain strong plants.

Rose Watering Notes

Roses that start with the best growing foundation are stronger as they develop and mature. Sturdy roots allow them to better withstand variable seasonal conditions like drought, freezing temperatures, heat, and water fluctuations. A well-watered rose resists pests and diseases better than one stressed by too much or too little moisture.

We know roses grow and flower best in consistently moist soil, though they adapt to various situations once established. To help them establish, the goal is to keep the ground evenly moist around the roots. Watering deeply encourages roots to grow deeper to support the plant and sustain long-term resilience.

Bare Root and Nursery Pots

New roses come to us in nursery pots or as bare-root specimens. Growers dig bare-root roses from the field during dormancy to ship without dirt or foliage. Whether potted or bare, the watering requirements for new roses are similar.

Packaged bare-root roses usually hold a bundle of prominent roots and several central stems. At planting, the roots develop as they meet soil volume, moisture, and warmer conditions. Upper growth quickly ensues, with blooms in the first summer.

Sourcing roses as bare root shipments allows more options at less cost, with heirlooms and top-performers available from specialty growers. The dormant specimens make an easier transition from grower to garden with less transplant shock and easier acclimation. When your bare root selections arrive, soak them for at least two hours (and up to 12) to rehydrate the roots.

When to Water New Roses

Water newly planted specimens every two to three days to keep the root zone moist. Pay special attention to the moisture by appearance and touch. Use a touch test in the early days to get a feel for frequency. Regular moisture is essential as feeder roots develop.

To check the soil by feel, dig knuckle-deep (about one inch) to determine whether it feels dry, wet, or just right. When it feels dry to the depth of one inch, it’s time to water. If it’s sticky, hold off and recheck the next day.

First Month

For a month after planting, check soil moisture regularly. New transplants often need watering every few days to maintain even moisture. Keep soils moist but not soggy to support the developing roots. They don’t yet have the capacity to reach for moisture and instead need it delivered.

After about a month, start increasing the length of time between watering. Allow them to dry out slightly between sessions. 

First Growing Season

In the first growing season, the young woody shrubs are working on developing robust roots. Regular deep water as the soil dries supports establishment. Watering is more frequent in the first summer of active growth. While established and mature roses are well-adapted to our soil types and seasonal conditions, younger selections are acclimating.

The best way to determine the watering sweet spot is to check soil moisture regularly and observe the shrubs. Underwatered roses wilt, and their leaves turn yellow and crisp. Roses also wilt during periods of extreme heat, even in moist soils, and the soil touch test helps narrow down the cause. Leaves also turn yellow in cases of overwatering, but instead of being crisp, they’ll be soft and spongey.

Summer is a time of extreme temperature and variable conditions, including rainfall fluctuations. With frequent rain, the young shrubs don’t need supplemental watering. Reduce or stop watering sessions during rainy weeks. 

Add deep watering sessions during dry spells, windy conditions, and intense heat. Watering deeply two to three times a week works toward even moisture.

How Much to Water

Variables like local climate and soil type play into how much to water, but rosarians generally recommend between two to five gallons of water per week for each rose. This is the equivalent of one to three inches of water per week.

The goal of watering in these quantities is to achieve a deep soaking all around the roots. The ideal watering depth is around 16-18 inches to moisten and soften the surrounding soil. While new specimens likely won’t have extensive root systems, this depth promotes root growth and strengthening.

Avoid frequent, shallow watering. Quick blasts encourage roots that grow laterally, just beneath the surface rather than deep into the ground. Shallow roots impact stability, hardiness, and nutrient resources.

Soil Type

Knowing our local soil type helps us understand moisture retention and drainage when it comes to how much water new roses need. The best texture comes from a blend of organic matter and native soils. These shrubs prefer loose, rich compositions and good drainage. A soil test helps determine whether you have mainly clay, loam, or sand. Each has different absorption and retention rates. 

In poor dirt (sandy or clay), incorporate three to six inches of compost/organic matter. If your ground holds moisture and tends to stay wet, compost or leaf mold helps. Take care not to overwater roses with supplemental irrigation (too much water or “wet feet” promotes fungal problems like root rot).

Seasonal Conditions

Roses grow actively from early spring through fall and require more water during the warm growing seasons, especially in hot conditions and periods of dryness. In spring and summer, water newly planted roses every few days. 

They’ll be dormant in the winter and won’t need supplemental water unless in warm climates or containers, and only then when the soil is dry.

The Value of Mulch

Mulching newly planted specimens at planting helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperatures. Maintain a two- to three-inch layer of mulch for these benefits and to suppress weeds. Mulch also adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. Water in the mulch after applying to keep it in place and begin the moisture retention.

How to Water

Drip irrigation, soaker hoses, sprinklers, and hose/hand watering are all options for watering new transplants. When using spray heads and overhead watering, disease prevention is best when watering occurs in the morning, and leaves have time to dry out in the day’s sunshine and breeze. 

Given the option, water at the base of the stems, slowly and deeply, pausing if water starts to run off. This gives roots a good soaking session. A watering can or bubbler fitting on a hose are good options. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are efficient in low volume with little runoff and consistent delivery.

Roses in Containers

Young roses grow beautifully in containers with special attention to moisture levels in warm weather. Without the surrounding soil mass, they dry out more quickly than in-ground specimens. Terracotta and clay pots are porous and dry out faster than glazed or synthetic materials, though they provide good airflow to the roots.