- 1). Find a location for your Drift roses where the plant will receive full sunlight. The soil conditions are not important when planting these types of rose bushes, according to the Conard-Pyle Company.
- 2). Water the plant thoroughly. Dig a hole twice as deep and wide as the container holding the drift rose. Amend the loose soil with equal parts of compost or potting soil. Remove the plant from the container and place it in the center of the hole.
- 3). Prune away any canes that are injured or broken. Remove any canes that appear thinner than a pencil. If the plant roots are bound, or growing in circles, gently loosen the roots with your fingers. Place the plant in the center of the hole so the bud union is 1 inch above the soil in USDA zones 6 to 10 or 1 inch under the soil in zone 5.
- 4). Fill the hole with the amended soil, tamping the dirt down as you fill to remove any air pockets. Water the area surrounding the plant deeply so the water soaks into the ground. Water the plant when dry conditions exist for long periods with 1 gallon of water to soak the soil.
- 5). Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer after the first flowers appear. Use the directions on the fertilizer package for applying the correct amount. Don't fertilize the Drift rose after midsummer.
- 6). Deadhead the plant when the blooms die to encourage reblooming during the growing season. Drift roses will bloom until the first hard frost. Prune the plant back to 4 inches above the ground in spring after the last hard frost.
- 7). Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base of the rose bush to protect the plant from harsh winters. Remove the mulch in the spring. Cover the foliage with burlap if the winds during the winter are harsh.
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