Balcony gardening - Roses

29 Jan '05 4:24 am

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum and to rose growing. I dont have a country garden I'm afraid but I do have a West facing balcony in Manchester. I have grown all sorts on it - it does get a fair amount of sun and I've always wanted to have a go at growing roses on it. A friend has just given me 3 climbing roses, Arthur Bell, Iceberg and Schoolgirl. I've no experience whatsoever of growing roses so I'm starting from scratch. If anyone has any tips for me that would be great. All I know at the moment is I need to plant them in containers! If anyone can recommend a good compost for them that would be great. I'm also wondering do I put them straight outside when planted or will I need to cover them with fleece or anything because of frost?
Any tips would be gratefully received - if you think the roses given aren't suitable please let me know and I can plant them in the communal garden. Thanks
Smile

1 Feb '05 8:11 am

My random rose instincts are as follows: That as long as the pot is 'big' enough, the roses will grow just fine. They'll need extra feeding, I guess. Roses are tougher than lots of gardeners realise - you can prune them stupidly, dig them out of the ground mid-summer, etc. and they usually survive. And they will survive neglect!

The frost problem needs some local knowledge. And the weather conditions might affect the type of pot you use. For example, you might find that big plastic is a better type of container than terracotta.

Anyway, hope that they bring you lots of joy. I'd give it a go! Iceberg and Schoolgirl aren't awfully big climbers, and I think they'll climb sensibly from pots. I don't know the Arthur Bell one.

You might need some insect vigilance? Not sure again - and roses like fresh air and sun - so choose their place so it's not too crowded!
Cheers, and good rose luck!

8 Feb '05 4:16 am

Thanks for your advice. I've put them in pots and am hoping they will grow up an big branch that fell off a nearby tree and be a bit of a focus on the balcony. If it works then maybe I could post a photo!
Smile

22 Feb '05 10:56 am

Welcome to the forum, Cosmiciris. The roses and driftwood sound gorgeous. I'd love to see some pictures of the progress.

You've inspired me to sort out my roof terrace... sort of...

Balcony gardening - Roses

Balcony gardening - Roses

Thanks

Roses on the balcony