How to Care for Your Rose After Arrival – Step-by-Step Guide

At Kate Roses, we carefully grow and ship our live roses with love. But since your rose may have spent a few days in a dark box during transit, it’s normal for it to look a bit tired or for some leaves to drop. Don’t worry—your rose is alive and ready to thrive with a little care!

Here’s a simple guide to help your rose settle in and grow strong:

Step 1: Let It Adjust

Do not place the rose in direct sunlight immediately. Give it 2–3 days in partial sun so it can slowly adapt to outdoor conditions. A shaded porch or spot with morning sun is perfect. After this adjustment period, you can move it to full sun.

Step 2: Choose Where to Grow

You can either plant your rose in the ground or grow it in a pot.

• If you choose a pot, use a 3-gallon container that’s breathable and drains well. Avoid using a pot that’s too large, as it may lead to root rot from overwatering.

• If planting in the ground, wait until the rose starts to grow new leaves.

Step 3: Water Properly

Check the top 2 inches of soil—if it feels dry, it’s time to water. In most cases, watering once daily is sufficient, especially in hot weather. Be sure to water thoroughly each time.

Note: If your rose dies from underwatering, it is not covered by our warranty, so please keep a close eye on moisture levels.

Step 4: Provide Enough Sun

Once acclimated, roses love sunshine. Make sure your rose receives at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight every day for healthy growth and blooming.

Step 5: Ventilation Matters

Roses don’t like stuffy or overly humid air. Make sure your rose grows in a well-ventilated area to prevent pests and disease.

Step 6: No Fertilizer in the First Year

Young roses have delicate root systems. We recommend not fertilizing in the first year to avoid burning the roots. Begin feeding with organic fertilizer in the second spring after planting.

Step 7: Winter Protection

If you’re planting late in the season and your first frost is within 4 weeks, it’s best to store the rose in a cool shed or garage until spring to avoid frost damage.

Extra Tips for Beginners

• Want to grow your rose in a pot? Transplant it to a 3-gallon container once you see roots growing out of the bottom of the original pot.

• Planting in the ground? Wait until you see new leaves emerge, then transplant carefully.

• Avoid overwatering and oversized pots—both can harm young roses more than help.

If you ever have questions, we’re here to help. Our team is happy to guide you through every step of your rose’s journey—from our loving nursery to your beautiful garden.

Need help? Contact us anytime—we’d love to hear from you.