Patio Rose - Advice Please

Hi guys,
My daughter bought my wife a potted 'patio' rose for mother's day. She would like to keep it in a pot on the patio. What size & depth of container would be required ?
Many thanks.

 

How big is the rose just now, Naepace?

My feeling is that it would be best to gradually harden it off before having it out on the patio, but that by the end of May you could have it outside, and even put it in the garden properly by then, if you like, but take it gradually first. Roses are pretty tough, but if this one has been indoors, it'll need hardening off first.
I usually put plants into a bigger container than the single plant would need, and surround it with other things, like trailing lobelias, just to give a bit more interest, and aim to plant theoriginal in the soil if at all possible, as it should be with a rose.

 

The rose has been cut back to around 3 or 4 inches & the new growth is starting. It is currently in a approx 4" diameter, deep pot. The rose is hardened off. It is really the depth of container I feel unsure about.
Thanks for the reply.

 

Roses vary tremendously in their roots - so that's the most critical thing, but if it's currently in a pot of that size, then if you can put it in a pot that's at least a few inches bigger in every dimension (including the fourth!!) it should be fine! As I said, if you want to surround it with other plants and make it a central feature, it'll be fine like that. Roses don't need to be pot-bound - a bit of extra space won;t hurt, that's for sure!

 

Roses, even patio roses have a need for deep pots, as they have quite a tap root. I would suggest go for one at least 9" deep this year. Remember that they are greedy feeders, and feed it once a fortnight after the first 4 weeks in its new pot - but watch the watering cos its easy to overwater containers.

 

I have a very deep pot & think I'll take 'dendrobium's suggestion & make it a central feature.
Fran - Do I have to feed it with a specific rose fertiliser or will a general one do ?
Thanks a lot guys, your input is appreciated.

 

When planting I use a general slow release fertiliser, but with roses I also feed with a rose fertiliser every month or so.