Ideal as an isolated subject on a lawn, the stem rose is a very elegant shrub, especially when it is covered with flowers. Although its silhouette is a little different, it meets the same growing conditions as other roses.
What is a stem rose?
A stem rose is a horticultural achievement, this form does not exist in nature. It is usually a classic rose grafted at a height of 1m to 1.20 m on a vigorous rootstock. Very often, Rosa canina is the species chosen as rootstock for stem roses.
This type of rose tree is therefore a first class ornamental subject in the garden.
Depending on the choice of the rose, its habit can be weeping or upright. Many well known roses exist in a 'stem' version, so you can choose among the many varieties.
When to plant a stem rose?
As with all roses, the best time to plant a bare-root rose is in winter, except during frosty periods. For plants purchased in containers, planting can be done throughout the year, except during periods of drought, hot weather or frost.
How to plant a stem rose?
One of the most important parameters is to choose a very sheltered place to plant your rosebush because its height and the small diameter of the trunk make it very fragile to the wind.
- Dig a 50 cm hole in all directions in a sunny area of the garden.
- Dress and prune the roots if it is a bare root rose.
- Plant a strong stake at the bottom of the hole facing the prevailing wind.
- Place a 2 cm layer of clay balls or gravel at the bottom of the hole.
- Mix some good potting soil and compost with the excavated soil.
- Place your rosebush in the center of the hole and fill it in with the mixture.
- Make sure the trunk is vertical and attach it to the stake.
- Water copiously and add soil if necessary.
How to maintain a stem rose?
Water your rosebush very often the two years following its planting, especially during the warm season. However, let the soil dry out a few centimeters before watering again. Scratch a mixture of compost, dried blood and ground horn powder at the base of your rosebush in early spring.
Mulch the base in summer to retain moisture in the soil. Mulching with cocoa shells or pine bark will look best on such an ornamental.
Pruning will depend on the growth habit of the rosebush, but it should be done at the end of winter whether it is an upright or weeping variety. In the first case, prune each branch to 2 or 4 eyes. In the second case, cut the branches that cross and clear the center of the shrub by removing all the dead wood and fragile stems. Then prune the end of the weeping stems to 40 cm from the ground.
If the rootstock produces shoots, prune them back to the ground.
