Rose Standards

Plant bareroot roses at the earliest opportunity following delivery. If planting is not possible then 'heel them in' by covering the roots with soil until conditions allow them to be planted in their permanent positions. When growing roses, choose a position in fertile well drained soil in full sun. If growing roses in pots, choose a pot with a minimum depth of 35cm and use a soil-based compost such as Innes No. 3. Roses are greedy plants so add a small handful of granular fertiliser and mix some well rotted manure or compost to the soil. Dig a hole of sufficient width and depth to comfortably accommodate the bareroot plant. Position the plant in the hole so that the base of the stems sits just below soil level. Backfill the soil around the roots of the plant, firm in, and water well.

These plants are lifted from the nursery field when dormant, and sent to you in late autumn or spring for planting. They often look dead on arrival, but they are just resting in the dormant period and will establish quickly for a strong start in the garden come spring. Set out in prepared soil in holes wide enough and deep enough to lay out the roots. Tread down the planting soil to knock out air pockets. Water well to settle. Apply a mulch to protect roots from cold temperatures. If conditions prevent immediate planting, set roughly into loose soil or a pot of compost (‘heeling in’) to protect the roots. Set these at the same level as they were in the nursery field – you should see a soil line at the base of the stem. Stake trees, taller shrubs and roses to prevent root disturbance.

Feed and water standard roses regularly. Deadhead faded rose flowers throughout the summer for a continuous display. In autumn apply a mulch of well rotted manure or compost to the base of the plant but avoid mounding it up against the stem. Standard roses don't require pruning in their first year. In the second winter, begin pruning standard roses by removing dead and diseased wood, and any rubbing or damaged branches. Then reduce the most vigorous stems to 15cm (6") from their base, and less vigorous stems to 5-10cm (2-4") from their base. Side shoots should be reduced to two buds.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.

Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.