To plant a rose in Merriwa, WA, dig a hole 40 cm wide and 30 cm deep. Mix your excavated sandy soil 50/50 with the Scotts Osmocote Rose, Gardenia & Azalea Potting Mix. Line the hole, position the rose so the graft union sits just above the soil line, backfill, firm gently, and water thoroughly.
Digging and Preparing the Hole
- Find a spot: Pick a sunny place with at least 6 hours of sun each day.
- Dig the hole: Make it about twice as wide as your rose’s root ball and roughly 30 cm to 40 cm deep.
- Loosen the base: Fork or break up the dirt at the bottom of the hole so roots can push through easily.
Blending the Soil and Potting Mix
- Mix 50/50: Combine equal parts of the native Merriwa soil you dug out with the Scotts Osmocote Rose, Gardenia & Azalea Potting Mix.
- Check the benefits: This specific mix helps acidic needs and retains moisture well in sandy WA conditions thanks to wetting agents and controlled-release nutrients.
- Line the base: Throw a 5 cm layer of your mixed blend into the bottom of the dug hole.
Positioning and Planting the Rose
- Soak the plant: Water your potted rose thoroughly a few hours before you move it.
- Set the height: Take the rose out of its container. Place it in the hole. Make sure the bump on the lower stem (the graft union) sits about 2 cm to 5 cm above the final soil line, never buried.
- Backfill: Fill the space around the root ball using the rest of your soil and potting mix blend.
- Firm down: Press the dirt down gently with your hands or feet to get rid of big air pockets.
Finishing Up
- Water deeply: Soak the base with plenty of water straight away to settle the dirt.
- Add mulch: Put a 5 cm layer of organic mulch around the base to keep the roots cool, but keep it clear of the main stem